Flooring Blog

So, you’ve just had stunning new floors installed- the kind that make you do a happy little dance every time you walk into the room. Now, as you revel in the pristine beauty of your space, there’s a crucial detail you might not be thinking about: how to clean and maintain those gorgeous new floors. ...

Do you ever walk into a beautifully designed space and wonder, “How did they do that?” The secret often lies in the details, and one detail that can transform your home into a signature designer’s dream is patterned tiles. In this blog, we’re taking a deep dive into the world of patterned tiles, ...

When you think about flooring, the first things that come to mind are probably the material, color, and design. While these elements are undoubtedly essential, there’s an often-underestimated foundation that sets the stage for your flooring masterpiece: subfloor preparation. In this blog, we will ...

When it comes to flooring installations, especially on concrete subfloors, homeowners often focus on the aesthetics and functionality of their chosen flooring materials. What many might not realize is that there’s a hidden, potentially destructive threat lurking beneath the surface: moisture.  ...

Geneva Flooring Installer Demonstrating GrindingAre you considering a flooring upgrade? Perhaps you’ve picked out the perfect flooring material, envisioned the design, and can’t wait to transform your space. While your excitement is entirely justified, there’s a crucial step that often gets ...

Plastic Moisture Barrier Installed Under Garrison Aqua Blue- Lexington OakWhen it comes to installing vinyl flooring, ensuring a proper foundation is key to its long-term durability and performance. One crucial component that often goes unnoticed is the plastic moisture barrier. While it might seem ...

When it comes to flooring installations, underlayment plays a vital role in providing support, cushioning, and sound deadening properties. The right underlayment can significantly enhance the performance and comfort of your flooring, especially when it comes to sound insulation. There are three ...

 Proximity Mills: Ethereal- RenwickBamboo flooring has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its eco-friendliness, unique appearance, and remarkable durability.  There are three primary types of bamboo flooring: horizontal, vertical and stranded. In this blog we will take an in-depth ...

Epoxy floors have gained immense popularity in various settings, from residential to commercial, due to their unique qualities and exceptional benefits. These flooring systems provide a seamless, durable, and visually appealing surface that can transform any space. In this blog, we will explore in ...

Waterproof Hardwood By Proximity Mills: Enduring- ElsfieldIf you’re a new homeowner embarking on a renovation project, one of the crucial decisions you’ll face is choosing the right flooring. Among the various options available, waterproof flooring stands out as a highly beneficial choice. Not only ...

Static vinyl flooring, also known as static dissipative vinyl or SDT (Static Dissipative Tile), is a specialized type of flooring designed to control static electricity. It is commonly used in environments where static electricity poses a risk, such as cleanrooms, electronics manufacturing ...

Newton: Hali- Sea SidePatterned carpet has been around for decades, but it has recently seen a resurgence in popularity. Many homeowners and designers are discovering that patterned carpet can be a fashion-forward choice for their homes. In this blog, we will explore why patterned carpet is ...

Tile flooring is a popular flooring option for homes, and it’s easy to see why. Tile floors offer a timeless and elegant look that can add value to your home while also being practical and durable. In this blog, we will explore why you should consider installing tile flooring in your home, and how ...

Carpet installation is an important part of home improvement projects, and it’s essential to ensure that it is done correctly. A properly installed carpet not only enhances the aesthetic of your home, but it can also help extend the life of the carpet. However, if the carpet is not installed ...

When it comes to installing new flooring in your home, hiring a licensed professional installer is a decision that can make all the difference. While some homeowners may consider DIY options or cutting costs by hiring an unlicensed installer, there are several compelling reasons why investing in a ...

Beach bungalows are becoming increasingly popular among vacationers seeking a cozy, comfortable, and relaxing getaway. When it comes to decorating a beach bungalow vacation home, choosing the right flooring is essential. The right flooring colors can create a calm and serene environment that ...

Newton: Helena-Mirabell OakLaminate and vinyl are both popular flooring options due to their affordability, ease of installation and versatility. However, when it comes to durability, laminate flooring has the edge over vinyl. Recent advancements in waterproofing technology have further improved ...

Paradiso: Quarry- SandstormCarpet is a popular flooring option for bedrooms, offering warmth, comfort, and noise reduction. However, there are both pros and cons to consider before choosing carpet as your bedroom flooring option.DOMA: Flourish- FeatherPROS:Comfortable: Carpet is soft underfoot, ...

Paradiso: Medallion- Pearl/IvoryWool carpet is one of the most popular flooring options, and for a good reason. Not only is it durable and long-lasting, but it also adds a touch of luxury to any room. Wool carpet is also versatile and can be designed in unique ways, making it a great option for ...

When it comes to the safety of your home, fire protection should always be a top priority. One aspect often overlooked is the choice of flooring. Investing in fire-resistant flooring not only enhances the safety of your living space but also provides peace of mind and protection for you and your ...

If you’ve ever walked across your floor and felt like something was off, it could be because your flooring was not installed properly. Flooring installation is not just about laying the material down and calling it a day. Proper subfloor preparation is crucial to ensure that the flooring is ...

Hardwood floors have always been a popular choice for homeowners looking to add style and durability to their living spaces. However, with advancements in technology, engineered hardwood has become an increasingly popular alternative. But what impact does installing new engineered hardwood have on ...

When it comes to home décor, baseboards often get overlooked. But, adding a pop of color to your baseboards can make a big impact on your home’s overall color story. Bold-colored baseboards, such as black and brown, can add depth and contrast to a room, creating a dramatic and stylish look. In this ...

Renovating your home can be a great way to update your living space and increase your home’s value. However, it can also be a costly endeavor, especially if you’re planning to replace your flooring. But with so many options on the market, it’s possible to find affordable flooring that looks great ...

Do you trust your installer has enough experience that he knows what your options are and can present them to you and guide you through your choices? Is he an artist in how he arranges grain and cuts in your fireplace or rounded landing? If he ran into a problem would he knowhow to resolve it? Does ...

Are your floors looking dry and weathered? Gray in the soft grain of the wood, showing gray grain patterns in the high traffic areas? You might be wondering if you are a candidate for hardwood refinishing. Lets go over ways to tell:1. How thick is my wear layer? If you floor is solid and older than ...

I am humbled and appreciative of such a great review of our teamwork here at Geneva Flooring.  We strive to deliver our very best to every single customer we work with, just like we did for Laura.  It is so heartwarming to get that confirmation at the end of the project that she was satisfied ...

Serenity Village is a privately owned collection of 8 houses that house and support 58 local women and children in Escondido, CA.  Six of the Eight houses have three bedrooms with two women[1] in each unit, three bathrooms, a living room and a communal kitchen.  Designed like cozy residential ...

Rift and quarter sawn hardwood Ocean Beach CA is premium grade because it is stable, beautiful, and is a select grading of wood. The log is cut in quarters and sawn into planks, ensuring long linear grains and medullary watermarks that pop and give character. This procedure is usually done to oak, ...

Hardwood CAN. There are exceptions! If you get a naturally colored, smooth hardwood floor with enough wear layer for refinishing, then hardwood can last the longest. Comparatively, it is only about ¼ as much to refinish this kind of floor, vs.replacing it! Depending on wear layer you could refinish ...

Do you have a raised foundation? Easy ways to tell: Do you walk up the steps to get to your front door? Jump! You can hear you are on wood, not on the brunt force of concrete. Walk around the outside of your house and look for a crawl space. Once you have determined you have a wood subfloor ...

Reclaimed wood is wood that has been re-sourced instead of harvested for the use of your floor. These Boards can come from many sources. Some reclaimed wood comes from old barns that have been taken down across America and Australia. These woods show the character of old nail rust spots and have ...

DO bring visual aids to reference the color of your cabinets, paint or current floor that you are trying to match.DON'T fall in love with a picture online and try to find that exact floor in a showroom. Print colors, screen colors, lenses disfigure color variation and hue…I never sell the floor in ...

Are you looking for a more modern sophisticated yet simple floor? Try a Mid Century Modern design which consists of neutral tones, clean lines, and organic curves. Mid Century Modern design heavily relies on one big focal point (normally in bold, muted colors such as orange and green) while smaller ...

Waterproof laminate is a great alternative to vinyl plank flooring. Remember, vinyl is only waterproof top-down and still needs protection from moisture in the installation and concrete preparation with a plastic barrier. If there is excessive water vinyl needs to be pulled out and can not be ...

As you'll find in many guides on Redfin;Hardwood is among the top ten improvements you can make to your home to increase the value. People are in my San Diego flooring showroom all the time trying to plan for the uncertain future and my best advice is get something you will love for the time you ...

Choosing the flooring material for your home is often a less complicated affair than choosing the flooring for a rental property. In your home, your focus is on the needs and desires of your family. For a rental, you must cater to the sometimes-divergent needs of a greater number of people. You ...

We use high quality adhesive to glue down wood floors in Santee CA, and it is very hard to get up!  Glue down wood is scraped up in splinters.  You cannot salvage boards for repairs.  At Geneva Flooring, a flooring store San Diego, we have specialty machines that cut and scrape up glue down wood ...

The most common question I get asked at my flooring store in San Diego, is “What floor would you get?”  The floor you choose should always depend on the application.  I am in a rental, with two children under four years old that push around carts and boxes and throw shoes. The most important thing ...

After working with people for 20 years to select the hardwood floor that is best for them, I have derived a system.  I start by moving through the showroom, pointing out differences between the floors to help people understand what they are looking at.  Then we pull out colors and styles that ...

There are three ways to install a hardwood floor: Floating, Nail or Glue.  If you have a wood subfloor nailing is an option for you.  If you have concrete subfloor, I always recommend glue or float the floor instead of building a subfloor.  They are expensive, basically another sponge that can fail,...

Durapalm has been harvesting and manufacturing sugar palm trees into flooring for 20 years. This flooring has been in Florida and Hawaii and is now coming to the beachy city vibes of California! Durapalm Palmwood is directly extracted from the outside of ring of the Palm Stem. The hardest material ...

Most hardwood purchased in the last 30 years has an aluminum oxide finish that will not “come off” and is very low maintenance.  For that I recommend the dry Swiffer- you change the dryer sheet-like slip on the bottom and easily pick up daily dust with no residue.  The Swiffer Wet Jet, in my ...

Hardwood CAN.  There are exceptions!  If you get a naturally colored, smooth hardwood floor with enough wear layer for refinishing, then hardwood can last the longest.  Comparatively, it is only $4.50sf to refinish this kind of floor, and a minimum of $10-18sf to replace it!  Depending on wear ...

This process of heating the wood to above 320 degrees in a low oxygen environment makes physical and chemical changes in the wood’s cellular structure.  The boards are darker in color and there is a lot of color variation- much more than a topically stained floor.  It also improves the dimensional ...

Luxury Vinyl Tiles (stone styles) and Luxury Vinyl Planks (Wood styles) are taking over the Flooring industry because of their durability, price point, and realism.  They have taken a huge share of the carpet market because for a little more you can a longer-term solution.  They have rendered ...

Wood floors change colors for two reasons: breaking down in the sun or natural “patina” color change.  There is no UV protectant in the finish that will truly protect your floor from the sun over time- though some companies try.  Inevitably stains will fade, boards will warp, and finish will dry up....

After a couple years on the market and feedback from clients and PKs (Product knowledge) from my reps (finally), I am learning new things about LYP (Luxury Vinyl Planking). We all thought that luxury vinyl was as dent and scratch resistant as laminate- but waterproof also! We thought all of our ...

It is dumping in San Diego today!  That never happens!  It is usually ideal conditions for install.  But it is important to treat extreme conditions appropriately.  It is the responsibility of the installation crew to not install when it is too hot or humid or too cold.  The flooring will not ...

No matter what your substrate, we are going to make sure your floor is within spec before we install a hard surface flooring. That is 3/16” in 10 feet allowance per the National Wood Flooring Association’s guidelines. If you have a concrete subfloor we use a combination of leveling compound in ...

California WANTS to be able to recycle carpet, but it having a hard time getting the infrastructure in place to do so. We used to have a plant here in San Diego, but it closed in 2016. So now there is no place to take your used carpet to be recycled, unless you haul it up to a LA recycling center....

90% of people go with what the industry calls 711.  It has a simple scroll, it is a nice frame, but not overly ornate as to collect dust.   The minimum height we order to get a thick enough base to cover the gap for hard surface flooring is 7/16” x 2 ½”.  But I like to go with at least the 3 ½” ...

1) How long are you going to be in the property? Are you fixing it up to sell, rent, or enjoy yourself? That will help determine budget and suggested replacement covering. 2) Can the floor you currently have be refurbished? Some Hardwoods, vinyls, and tiles can be refinished or recoated to bring ...

Wool is a durable, NO VOC, easy-to-wash carpet option.  Most commonly they sort the sheep and sell all natural colors, hence, no powder blue ^ Even though synthetic dyes are safe, non-toxic, and have virtually no negative impact on the environment, there are people who want to be as environmentally ...

Hardwood flooring is very sensitive to its environment.  We are lucky in San Diego to have moderate temperatures year round that is also great for our hardwood.  But we still need to be conscientious about our environment so that we do not ruin our floors.  When you buy hardwood your warranty ...

Luxury Vinyl Tiles (stone styles) and Luxury Vinyl Planks (Wood styles) are taking over the Flooring industry because of their durability, price point, and realism. They have taken a huge share of the carpet market because for a little more you can a longer-term solution. They have rendered ...

Leveling is one of the HARDEST parts of my job. It is impossible to know what the cost is going to be on any given job, and I cannot tell you until we are hired and my installer has demolished the existing floor and has a level on your subfloor. My best advice: choose a company you trust and take ...

Wool is a durable, NO VOC, easy-to-wash carpet option. Most commonly they sort the sheep and sell all natural colors, hence, no powder blue:Even though synthetic dyes are safe, non-toxic, and have virtually no negative impact on the environment, there are people who want to be as environmentally ...

Just choosing hardwood is a more environmentally friendly flooring option! Carpets are usually more short term and end up in the landfills every few years. That is why there is now CA Carpet Stewardship Fee on every new carpet purchased, you are paying for the space your old carpet is now taking in ...

Hickory is a beautiful American Species. The price range is $4sf to $10sf and is offered by many different manufacturers. You can get it smooth, hand-scraped or wire-bushed (to accentuate the grain). The grain looks a lot like oak. It is naturally a blond floor with brown grain and can have a large ...

Floating, Nail or Glue…Which one should I do??There are three ways to install a hardwood floor, float it, nail it, or glue it. Here are some guidelines to choose what is best for your situation. Do you have a raised foundation? If the answer is no- you cant nail. Floating is glueing (or some ...

We can get 70% of the flooring in our showroom in 24 hours! Depends on the brand, if it is locally distributed, if there is stock, and what time we place the order!If you have existing hardwood there is a great chance we can help you figure out that room addition you have been thinking about. If ...

Naturally colored floors have variations from board to board. This is beautiful and makes it look like real wood. We are referring to woods that are colored this way straight out of the ground with no stain. Each species of wood has different grain; that is where you get to choose your grain and ...

“Hardness” of wood is referring to density, and we measure that in hardwood flooring on the JANKA Hardness scale. This is PSI (pounds per square inch) pressure. We use Red Oak (1290 PSI) as a baseline standard of “hard enough”. Hard enough to be functional and to not easily dent in normal household ...

Builders usually have limited options and hefty price tags. Builders usually feature a few floors (they are usually common floors that I also carry at a lower price) that streamline the choices for homeowners trying to customize their new build in a new community. While there is a convenience to ...

Why is there such a broad range of prices on hardwood flooring? And how do I decide if I’m really getting a good deal, when they can range all the way from $2.00 to $20.00 per square foot?Hardwood flooring manufacturers have different goals in mind when they set out to produce a product. Some ...