Carpet installations in Alexandria Va

CARPETING IN NORTHERN VA

At TOTAL FLOORING, LLC we don't consider an 8lb rebond padding to be an upgrade. We take everyone of our installations very seriously and do our best to provide every client with a great quality carpet. We understand about indoor air quality and having children in the home, walking, and crawling on it. My personal favorite, besides natural backed, undyed wool...is Mohawks "Smartstrand" It's as soft as wool, extremely low VOC's due to not being toopically treated with petroleum stain guard, and made from recycled materials. Smartstrand is a polymer made from Dupont, a natural corn sugar, and is extremely safe, durable, and stain resistant. www.smartstrand.com. Every 7 yards produced saves a gallon of gasoline. The softness is unmatched. I like to use Healthier Choice padding underneath. www.healthierchoice.com. It's a closed cell memory foam that is the only padding that is "Greenguard" labelled (Safe for children/ schools)and has a lifetime guarantee to not crush or break down. These 2 together are the perfect addition to any home looking for new carpeting. Please contact Total Flooring, LLC for a free estimate and sample of this carpet. My personal favorite when it comes to carpet at a reasonable price and superior performance! Please do the research yourselves before contacting us. The Carpet & Rug institute gives it the CRI+ label, but it far exceeds that in my experience. Whether seeking an Eco-Friendly carpeting or not, Smartstrand is the perfect addition to your home. Thanks again and I hope to be showing it to you soon :) Until next post, Happy Mothers Day, and have a terrific week! Chad Durbin, LEED GA President Total Flooring, LLC

Carpeting in Fairfax Virginia

A majority of how your interior looks and feels will depend on your floors. Houses that have carpet give off an undeniable warmth, vibrancy, and an aesthetic appeal. There is a wide range of colors, textures, materials, and designs available that can transform your home and give every room a chance to be unique. Your carpet installation has a long term perspective, so it's important that you select the best one for your needs and install it right the first time. Once you have picked out your material and design, you'll need to it install it. Professional carpet installers can do the job for you, or you can choose to do it yourself. Even though doing it yourself is cheaper than hiring a professional, it isn't recommended if you don't have the right tools, lack time, or have no experience. A great way to ensure a professional installation of your carpet is to buy from an authorized carpet retailer or dealer. Most of the time, your carpet retailer will have an installation staff that is very experienced with installing carpet. If the retailer doesn't offer an installation service, they can still guide you to a reputable and experienced installer. Even though installation by a retailer is a bit more expensive, it offers several advantages. The experience will show in their work and you'll come out better in the long run. You can also approach them if you aren't satisfied with anything they have done. However, if you are looking for low budget carpet installation services, you'll also have the option of hiring independent contractors, architects, builders, or interior designers. You should always remember to get their references and inquire about their experience, where they received their training, and any certification they may have. You can also visit homes that the installer has previously worked on, as this will give you an idea of their work before you hire them. If it isn't possible, you should at least make it a point to see some pictures of their work. Even though private contractors may offer a lower rate for carpet installation than your retailer, the services of post installation may be very poor. If you encounter a problem, you'll find that your options are limited. No matter what happens, if you choose an independent carpet installer, you should always make sure that the installer follows the standard for installation of residential carpet CRI 105. Choosing the right installer for your carpet will entirely depend on your specific needs. If you like to change your carpet type every few years, you may be better off to choose an independent carpet installer. If you want carpet that will last for a long time, you should get a follow up from a retailer, as this will ensure that you have a trouble free experience with installation. No matter who you choose, you should ensure prior to installation the carpet is power stretched so wrinkling and rippling will be minimized. It is also important that your rooms are measured before laying any of them and the sub floor has been cleaned. You should also vacuum the old carpet good before it is removed, to help eliminate dust. Once the new carpet is down, the edges should be trimmed and sealed with hardwood. You should always inspect the carpet, and make sure that nothing looks out of the ordinary and that everything pleases you before you finish the deal. You should always keep in mind that no matter how expensive or exotic your carpets may be, it is the installation process that makes or breaks the look of your home. Therefore, it pays off to invest a bit of time, money, and effort when you choose the right installer for your carpet.

Flooring Gallery... Total Flooring, LLC

Total Flooring, LLC have been making customers very happy for over 5 years, here is some of our work. Turnberry Tower Tile Hardwood Refinishing American Cherry Penthouse Suite Green Flooring Thanks for taking a look, please contact us for a free estimate! Chad Durbin, LEED GA

Turnberry Tower Arlington Va.

When it comes to high end flooring, there are only a few select local companies, that I would recommend besides ourselves. This is wht Total Flooring, LLC built out a large percentage of units in the now, sold out, Turnbery Tower Arlington Va. Not only was one of our model units featured in their number 1 model unit, but we were also featured in a national advertisement from Mirage Hardwood Flooring. The ad was run in the nations top trade magazine, Floor Covering Weekly. We take enormous pride in all of our projects, using the same installers that we have promoted for over 6 years. The same that will show up to do your project. Our list of clients include top ranking politicians, NFL players, and media moguls. Our resume' is astounding even to me and our work speaks for itself. Here are a few pictures of the model unit that we built out at http://turnberrytowerarlington.com/ it is featured in their website on the home page. We take every job as seriously as the next, no matter the size, or location. Our pricing is great due to low overhead and we pass that along to the client. Here is a top level Penthouse that we are completing now. They say that a picture says 1,000 words, so i'll leave you with a few floors that we are proud to post in Turnberry Tower. Thanks for letting us display some of our work. I hope that if in the market for new flooring, you will contact us at Total Flooring, LLC We hope to hear from you and make your home our next masterpiece!

Northern Virginia Flooring Insights & Community News: Green Flooring in Alexandria Va

Northern Virginia Flooring Insights & Community News: Green Flooring in Alexandria Va: TOTAL FLOORING, LLC (Green Flooring) In the LEED A personal insight on” Green” Flooring To be defined as “green,” or environmentally...

Green Flooring in Alexandria Va

TOTAL FLOORING, LLC (Green Flooring) In the LEED A personal insight on” Green” Flooring To be defined as “green,” or environmentally friendly, a floor needs to satisfy certain standards. Some of these standards include; sustainability, low VOCs (volatile organic compounds), recycling capability or creation from recycled materials. Over the past decade, major advancements have been made in manufacturing floors using these standards. These have created a wonderful means of improving the indoor air quality in your home and reducing the depletion of our planet’s natural resources. Some of the common misconceptions, are that "green products" are different than traditional, or that they are more expensive, these are both untrue. Eco friendly floors range from modifications to traditional floors such as hardwood and carpeting to the new and beautiful floors made from cork or bamboo. Sustainability applies to a natural resource that can replentish itself within ten years or less by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards. The materials highest in sustainability include cork, bamboo, eucalyptus, and linoleum. Another major factor in the production of sustainable flooring is the diversion from landfills. Is the floor made from post-consumer recycled materials? Can it be recycled? Is it biodegradable? Low-emitting, or low VOC, is a measure of the chemicals used in manufacturing that “off gas” or release toxic gasses into your home after installation. Many of these chemicals top the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) list of extremely hazardous substances, including Benzene, Toluene, and Urea Formaldehyde. Third party testing and green labeling programs have greatly reduced, if not eliminated, the use of these chemicals in flooring products. The carbon footprint is defined by greenhouse gasses released into the atmosphere through extraction, manufacturing, and shipping of your flooring. Whenever possible, search for a local dealer for your new floor. The less shipping involved, the smaller the footprint. Cork floors are quickly becoming a favorite among customers due to their uniquely beautiful look and their durability. Cork is bark that is harvested from the cork oak tree after it has matured to 25 years of age. The harvesting does not harm the tree and it replenishes itself every 8-10 years. Cork floors have a great insulation value (R-value) and are warmer/ softer than most hard surfaces. Cork is also moisture friendly, making them mold and mildew resistant, and a great option for kitchens or basements. Bamboo floors are also very unique and beautiful. Bamboo is a grass that is harvested every 3-5 years, making it a highly sustainable product. The bamboo harvested for flooring is different from that eaten by pandas. Bamboo comes in three styles: vertical, horizontal, and strand-woven. Vertical and horizontal bamboo floors are similar in hardness to American Red Oak floors, whereas strand-woven bamboo is often harder than Brazilian cherry. When shopping for a bamboo floor, make sure you find a reputable, knowledgeable dealer; this will insure that your floor will be Urea Formaldehyde free, meet or exceed the E1 standard, and be a stable product. Bamboo will add a beautiful and unique look to your home, and is very reasonably priced. Hardwood floors have always been an American favorite. In 1993, an independent, non-governmental, non-profit organization called the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) was established. Their mission is to stop deforestation globally, and is widely regarded as one of the most important initiatives of the last decade to promote responsible forest management worldwide. They prohibit the destruction of natural forests and habitats, the use of hazardous pesticides, and the cultivation of genetically modified trees (GMO’s). They also respect the rights of indigenous people to preserve their tribal lands. We carry and promote FSC hardwoods as well as reclaimed. Reclaimed hardwood floors come from old barns, mills, and factories that are torn down. The salvaged wood is manufactured into new flooring and are some of the most beautiful/ unique hardwoods available. We use local mills in West Virginia to cut the footprint to a minimum Carpeting is your highest emitting floor. Originally, over 400 toxic chemicals were used in the manufacturing. Many improvements have been made in the last decade, but I would still recommend selecting a carpet labeled CRI Plus. This is the Carpet and Rug Institutes most stringent indoor air quality testing label. Other than un-dyed, natural-backed wool, that have no VOC’s, one great option is Mohawk’s Dupont Sorona. It is also known as Smartstrand; Smartstrand with Dupont’s Sorona is made from naturally occurring corn sugars and renewable crops. 37% is made from recycled sources instead of petroleum-based ingredients. Every 7 yards of Smartstrand produced saves 1 gallon of gasoline. The production also requires 30% less energy than nylon and reduces greenhouse gasses by 63%. The carpet is extremely durable, stain-resistant, and cost-effective. Linoleum is one of the most environmentally conscious floors on the market. The ingredients include linseed oil, natural tree resins, wood flour, and jute. The plants that contribute to the raw materials also contribute to the production of oxygen and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Linoleum comes in three forms; tiles, sheet, and click (Floating floor). The first two are glued down with a solvent-free non-toxic adhesive. Linoleum does not off-gass in your home and is fully biodegradable. There are more than forty colors available and it can be installed in numerous patterns. It is an incredibly green option to add color to any room or office. The growing trend to “go green” reflects a desire to live a healthy and productive life while minimizing our impact on the planet for ourselves and our children. The demands of lowering our environmental impact is leading us towards resolving the growing concerns about global warming, depletion of natural resources, pollution, and the disruption of natural habitats. American households account for about 1/5 of America’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Many organizations and manufacturers are making efforts to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and develop renewable energy. Please do your research on a particular floor before putting it into your home or around your families. Always find a knowledgeable, local dealer, that is implementing best practices into their company. At Total Flooring, LLC, we not only continue to educate ourselves on best practices, but are also a working part of the communities that surround us. We volunteer, donate, and give back whenever possible.

Total Flooring, LLC

Total Flooring was founded on the principle of great customer service and quality flooring. It is our mission to become the premiere flooring retailer in Northern Va, Washington DC, and Maryland.

We make it a priority to know our customers, colleagues, and communities very well. We have repaired small sections of damaged floors and built out top level penthouses at Turnberry Tower Arlington. Every client was treated the same and every job was as important as the next.

"Quality" is a term used very loosely these days, but what really defines good quality? Is it Empire's suggestion that you're getting free flooring? Every time I turn on my TV, I see that little guy, and hear that jingle. Ask yourself, who is paying for all of these TV ads, and will I REALLY be receiving a free floor. I equate it to a Las Vegas casino, but what you get with Empire, doesn't stay at Empire. It seems that every poor "Quality" dealer today has some sort of new gimmick that their trying to feed potential customers. This is your home, your families finances, and your hard work that's paying for your long awaited upgrade. Do you really want to hear gimmicks, jingles, and be hard sold by a corporation that has you as a number? I assume that they need gimmicks in order to perform their "Hit and Run" techniques. When was the last time someone referred you to Empire or Lumber Liquidators?

It's not my motto to judge competition, but I don't consider either company competitors. There are plenty of great local flooring companies that we have relationships with and our advertising doesn't include the word "Free". Get 2 estimates and look at the total, if 60% is "Free", why is our total cost lower apples to apples, and in LL's case...almost always a better product.


Quality, is outstanding service, great products, and the value put upon a clients hard earned budget. Understanding that their is a trust put upon your companies integrity and that you will fulfill your obligation to every customer. When I shop online myself and see cartoon characters and a mess of discounts/ promises, I usually click on the next site.

Total Flooring operates on a 70% referral based market. Our pricing is fair and you won't be paying for your flooring twice. When you need assistance, you won't be put on hold, or have to speak with 5 different people to find the answer. It may sound strange, but that's the way we like it. Your referral is our best compliment and we hope that our next referral is from you.

Thank you for reading!




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Chad Durbin, LEED GA
President
Total Flooring, LLC
www.totalflooringva.com
571-245-4660

Location:Arlington, Va

Hardwood floor refinishing

Thinking of refinishing those scratched hardwood floors in your home? Found an old hardwood floor under your carpeting?
The questions asked when I speak with clients about refinishing are usually: "How much dust should I expect after sanding?" And "Is the smell going to be toxic and strong?"
The process of refinishing hardwood floors has come a long way in the past decade and remains very simple. The improvements are in the finishing products used and the dustless sanders that have hit the market.
I'll start with the finish, your 2 basic options are oil based or water based.
Oil based finish can have a strong odor, sometimes causing your client to leave the home during the work. It has a distinct look to it, usually more glossy than water based, and it's a clients personal preference to select it. Oil based finish is also less expensive in most cases, bringing down the overall cost of the job. It's drying time is twice as long as water based and the durability is a close second.
My advice is to always use a water based finish, my personal favorite being BONA. It's a Swedish made, fast drying, low VOC (volatile organic compounds), tough as nails finish. You don't want harmful chemicals in your home or around your family. You can choose a semi-gloss or satin look and they also make a terrific cleaner that you can use after, to keep your floor looking great!
Next is the mess that's created by the sanding process. If you haven't had this done in a while, I'm sure you're thinking that it will be everywhere, and clean up will be a nightmare. That's not the fact these days. With the introduction of dustless sanders, the clean up is quite easy. No one can claim 100% dust free, if they do, hang up the phone. Its about as believable as Empires "Free flooring" :) The sanders will however catch 98-99%, leaving just a very slight dusting that can easily be wiped up. A good contractor will also hang barriers to close off their work area to the rest of your home and cover any vents.
Make sure that if not going with a natural finish and using a stain, you have the contractor test out your color choices after sanding. They can look very different than what's on the can or color key. Not only stain a small portion with the color, but put a coat of finish on it as well. The look can vary and you only get 1 shot to make it perfect.
Total Flooring, LLC doesn't cut corners. There are small things a "bad" contractor can do that make a big difference in how your floors will look and perform. Ask questions, don't be talked into a finish that you don't know of, or want. I've been in the business over 20 years and have been asked to fix newly refinished floors many times. That can't be done, you'll pay for it twice, or be an unhappy consumer. This is usually because the contractor dragged the sander backwards and there are noticeable ripples in your floor, or they had claimed to know how to use a natural oil finish....and didn't.
These are just a few of the basics that can help guide you when selecting a good company to refinish your hardwood. For more, please contact us at www.totalflooringva.com and we are ready to answer all of your questions. We take pride in your home.




Until next post and thank you for reading.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Chad Durbin, LEED GA
President
Total Flooring, LLC
www.totalflooringva.com
571-245-4660

Location:Fairfax, Virginia

Northern Virginia Flooring Insights & Community News: Flooring clients in Fairfax Va

Northern Virginia Flooring Insights & Community News: Flooring clients in Fairfax Va:     I am compelled to write this blog post due to a misunderstanding this weekend. I pride myself on great customer service. In fact, ever...

Flooring clients in Fairfax Va

    I am compelled to write this blog post due to a misunderstanding this weekend.

I pride myself on great customer service. In fact, every contact form that I receive, I try to respond within 5 minutes. You can't put a  price on great service. I've worked for companies where you  have to go through 5 people, to get the answer that you're looking for, then wait 5 days for action.

This was a big factor in starting Total Flooring. My company's alertness/ response time/ and overall performance, isn't up to anyone but myself, and the people I choose to represent us. Believe me that I have gone grey, working for companies that pass the buck, until someone steps up to the plate. That person was almost always myself or a very select few. It was sort of a "Band of brothers" that took the responsibility off of the people hired to perform. We did it, not for recognition, but for personal respect in our work, ourselves, our clients, and our field.

This weekend I had a sold job. All that was asked of me was to show up, pick up a check, and finalize an agreement. Sounds like a great day, right! Well, I assumed that the customer wasn't on a time schedule because they work from home. I had given them a time that I would show up, but thought that it was a "loose" timeframe. I thought wrong. I was called up and almost lost the job because I interpreted the phone conversation differently than the client.

I learned a few truly valuable lessons today. NEVER assume that what you're thinking is what your client is as well. Make sure that everything is clear and agreed upon, and if unclear as to what is expected, contact them immediately.

I run a flooring business and look after a beautiful 2 year old son. As busy and tired as I can get, it's never too much not to follow up, and make sure that everyone is on the exact same page. I saved the job, plan to do a fantastic installation for my client, but a brief misunderstanding could have lead to a damaged reputation. Reputation folks, can be a companies best ally and worst nightmare. Most companies hover around the middle in this category, not TF, we aim to be the premiere flooring company in Northern Va. We want every single client to be 100% satisfied with our workmanship, quality, and service. It is why I started Total Flooring and I plan to go to all lengths, in order to preserve our reputation, with every client/ colleague.

Quality is what you get dealing with TF. I was personally upset and let down with myself today. I know not to assume anything ever. There were 2 opinions today....1 was right. The one that is always right, my clients. I am positive that I will receive a glowing review after making their home another masterpiece! I just had to get past today and hopefully help the next guy in great customer service.

Thanks and have a super week!