This modern kitchen design features an elegant dual cooker hood over the stove.

This is one of the simplest and also most overlooked tips. When you’re in the preparation stage of a meal (chopping the vegetables, peeling the potatoes, etc.), turn on your stove hood at its lowest setting. This should not generate much noise and it will allow the air in the kitchen to begin circulating. Once you start cooking, the airflow should be moving well and there is no real need to increase the hood’s setting, unless of course you overcook the food. Try it now and you’ll almost certainly see a real difference in the air quality in the home after cooking.

Check the bottom of the cooker hood for the grease filters. This is where the majority of grease will end up and it is essential to regularly clean the filter to prevent clogging. Common sense dictates that if the holes of the hood get blocked, it will not be able to filter air effectively. In many cases, grease filters can be cleaned in the dishwasher though you will need to check the instruction manual to ensure this is advisable.

These come with range hoods which are not ducted out. Charcoal filters are located either behind the grease filters or else they are attached to the hood motor. When you shop at reputable online sellers such as Ship It Appliances, your hood will have a detailed instruction guide, which tells you how often the filters have to be replaced. If you own a range hood where the air is ducted out, you won’t need charcoal filters at all.

A cooker hood’s performance will depend on the type of ducting used. For example, using ducting of the wrong size will seriously hinder its extraction rate. Ducting shaped like a concertina will also impair performance. Look at your hood and see if it is possible to change the ducting to enhance performance.

A common mistake made by people is to turn off the extractor as soon as cooking has been completed. Leave it turned on at its lowest setting for several minutes after cooking, as this helps to remove all residual smells. State of the art cooker hoods come with a timer that automatically switches off the hood after a certain period of time. You should also look at models with advanced sensor control that detects smells and switches itself off once all traces have been removed.

Before spending a small fortune on an expensive new range hood with an exceptionally fast extraction rate, follow the above tips on getting the most out of your existing model and you may be pleasantly surprised with the results.

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Bamboo is an eco-friendly and very attractive flooring options for your home or office.

History of Bamboo Flooring

In Western society, people also appreciate bamboo, but for different reasons. Aside from its beauty, bamboo has captivated Westerners with with its diverse range of use: bamboo is easily adapted for use in buildings, furniture, crafts, decorative arts, musical instruments–the list goes on. Bamboo has become especially popular as a building material, particularly among people accustomed to hardwood floors. Indeed, with its warmth, rich color and great appearance, bamboo is an exceptional material for floors.

While brick, concrete, and steel are also recognized as durable building materials, they are much heavier and more costly to produce and transport. Bamboo, on the other hand, is versatile, sustainable and a cost-effective form of flooring. Indeed, bamboo has become the floor of choice for many eco-conscience people interested in either constructing new homes or fixing up old ones.

Natural Shade or Carbonized Shade?

Bamboo flooring comes in two colors. There is the “natural” shade, which is a creamy color; this type of bamboo flooring makes rooms seem brighter and larger because of its light color. The other shade is called “carbonized” bamboo flooring, which is a dark caramel color.

But regardless of how a bamboo floor has been finished, there are some simple steps that should be taken to preserve its beauty. Start by using a lightly damp mop with a no-wax floor cleaner prepared specifically for hardwood floors. After that has been taken care of, make sure to vacuum or sweep the floor with a soft bristle broom to keep the floor clean from dirt and dust.

Remember: Bamboo is perfect for your home, but only if you know how to take care of it. By taking proper care of your bamboo floors, you not only contribute to the beauty of your home, but to the beauty of your life.

Get a free estimate on eco-friendly bamboo floors installed in your Monroe County, MI home or office by calling (734) 243-3502 today and speaking with a pro at Finishers Unlimited.

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When if comes to cork flooring, not only is it energy-efficient and eco-friendly, you also have many colors and styles to choose from.

Durability & Maintenance

Less obviously, cork flooring is also highly durable and long-lasting. Not only does it resist cracking and scuff marks, but is also known to be self-healing, such that apparently permanent indentations caused by furniture disappear as if by magic over time. In fact, when properly maintained, cork flooring can last up to 40 years or more. And fortunately, cork floors are very easy to keep clean and in good shape. Sweeping it once a week, and cleaning it with a slightly damp mop every couple of weeks, is really all that is necessary. No special cleaning fluids or materials are needed: just plain old water.

Great for Helping to Prevent Allergies

Cork flooring also provides a number of secondary benefits. Because it contains a substance called suberin, cork repels insects, mold, and mildew, making it a great choice among homeowners known to suffer from allergies. Cork is also naturally fire resistant, and doesn’t release any toxic gases or chemicals when combusting, making it a particularly safe option for families with children and pets. For the eco-conscience, cork flooring is also energy-efficient. Due to its natural insulation properties, cork doesn’t absorb the cold in the winter, keeping homes naturally warm, and reducing heating costs as a result.

Water-based or Oil-based Cork Floors

Cork flooring, which is offered in a wide variety of styles and colors, comes in two types of finishes: water-based and oil. Each finish has its benefits: water-based finishes allow the natural color of the wood to shine through, are fast drying, and eco-friendly; oil-based finishes make the wood stronger and more resilient to potential damage.

More Uses for Cork

Even if you don’t want to use cork as a flooring surface, you might find the material useful in other capacities. For instance, cork can be laid underneath hardwood, laminate, and ceramic tile to lessen room noise, such as the sounds of talking and walking. Indeed, there are more benefits to cork than meet the eye.

Get a free estimate on energy-saving cork floors installed in your Monroe County, MI home or office by calling (734) 243-3502 today and speaking with a pro at Finishers Unlimited.

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For a quote on having new Amerock cabinetry hardware added to your home of office, please call (734) 243-3502.

When choosing hardware most people tend to seek a consistent design from room to room, therefore, one may stick with a single collection that is offered. For example, Amerock offers a number of collections such as; Divinity, Evolutions, Black Rock, Inspirations, Manor, Hint of Heritage and many more. The most convenient aspect of choosing a specific collection is that it allows one to stick to one ultimate theme throughout their home. In addition, it allows one to find a theme that matches the overall style of their cabinetry to the hardware.

Recently, Amerock introduced two new finishes, the Carmel Bronze Finish and the Brushed Bronze Finish. The Carmel Bronze finish grasps the bold and rustic tones from copper and proves to be a bold décor color, the Brushed Bronze Finish sends out a dose of energy through its sleek beauty. In addition, Amerock offers a variety of functional hardware. Such as hinges, drawer slides, shelf-supports, catch/latch and bumper pads. The wide variety of hardware that is offered truly makes it in all in one experience, releasing the stress that is generally associated with finding the proper design and style.

The ultimate goal of decoration is to create a certain radiance in a home, one that flows from room to room, staring in the entryway and continuing on. With the right products, comes the right outcome, the right design, and the right aura. We are all components of our environment and as we create what surrounds us we are creating our daily reactions to our own environment. Amerock works with people to follow the rising trends and produce new designs. Leave a bold and brilliant mark on your cabinetry with Amerock.

Call (734) 243-3502 today to receive a free estimate on having Amerock cabinetry hardware added to your Monroe County, MI kitchen, bathroom, or office from the pros at Finishers Unlimited.

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Popular natural stone flooring includes granite, marble, travertine, and man-made materials. For a quote in and around Monroe County, MI please call (734) 243-3502.

Granite Flooring

One of the most popular stones is granite, which is known for being affordable and durable in addition to available in a number of bold colors and textures. For homeowners with elegant decorating tastes, marble offers beautifully contrasting colors with high-end shine.

Marble Flooring

Pricier than granite, marble is also less durable and known to crack rather easily. However, for parts of the home that do not receive much wear-and-tear, marble may be the perfect choice.

Travertine Flooring

Travertine, a member of the limestone family, is not quite as bold in appearance, preferring instead to subscribe to the ideal that less is more. For homeowners who prefer a subtle, natural look, travertine offers a nice, neutral alternative. Two stones that match nicely together are slate and granite — for example, a granite countertop fits attractively with a slate wall tile, which is known accenting a variety of styles. For a softer texture, sandstone is a popular choice, although be forewarned that it can easily stain.

Engineered / Man-made Natural Stone Flooring

Another option is choosing an engineered, man-made stone that combines quartz and resin to give the look of a natural stone for less of an investment. Ultimately, engineered stone does not portray the same grains as natural stone, but for many it can be a cheaper, stronger alternative to the real thing. After determining type, color and style, one can begin laying the foundation for an aesthetically-pleasing natural stone floor.

For a free estimate on having natural stone floors installed in your Monroe County, MI home or office, please call (734) 243-3502 today to speak with the pros at Finishers Unlimited.

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The basic components of this flooring consist of a variety of renewable materials, like solidified linseed oil, ground cork dust, pine rosin, wood flour and a number of mineral fillers. Burlap or canvas constitutes the backing, and the overall durability of the flooring relies upon how it is constructed. For example, inlaid linoleum flooring typically holds up the best. A good quality linoleum floor can last up to forty years, yet another eco-friendly aspect. Furthermore, it is biodegradable and can be broken down into fuel.

One reason linoleum fell out of the market after World War II could be due to the invention of vinyl flooring. Although often confused with linoleum, vinyl flooring is actually consists of synthetic, man-made materials. The main reason that vinyl surpassed linoleum in popularity is because of the so-called high maintenance that is required to maintain linoleum flooring. A new floor must be coated with two coats of acrylic sealer, and another layer must be applied every year. Linoleum also requires a consistent waxing routine to provide optimum shine.

Despite the fact that this flooring may require a bit more cleaning than other types, its perks significantly outweigh the work involved in its upkeep. Linoleum has a classic look suitable for almost any room, kitchen or even bathroom. It is available in a wide selection of colors and designs, and because colors are consistent throughout the entire thickness of the tile, it boasts increased durability. From its colors, patterns and durability to its eco-friendly nature, your home may be ready to meet linoleum.

Call (734) 243-3502 today to receive a free estimate on having linoleum flooring installed in your Monroe County, MI home or office from the pros at Finishers Unlimited.

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For a free quote on having Shaw Anso® Nylon carpeting installed in your Monroe County home or office, please call (734) 243-3502.

Shaw’s brand of Anso Nylon stands for the principle that customers want their carpet to last. This manufacturer recognizes that buyers don’t purchase carpet to add it to the art collection, they need something affordable and top notch. With all the brands of carpeting on the market, Anso Nylon has become popular for its fine fibers, stain resistance, sustainability and durability. Shaw offers Anso Nylon, Anso Caress and Anso Crush resister Nylon, all of which provide a top quality carpet. For more than forty-years Shaw’s premium carpet brand has been Anso Nylon and its “G-R-E-A-T” quality explains why.

Anso Nylon provides the customer with a sturdy product allowing each customer the satisfaction of knowing that his or her purchase was a worthy investment. The “GREAT” quality is more than just a slogan, each letter stands for the principles that the brand is founded on, how it is more than just a product. The “G” stands for “Green,” as Anso Nylon has a cradle-to-cradle certification, which means that it recycles carpet to create more carpet. In addition, it is SCS certified, meaning that at least twenty-five percent contains recycled content, proving that even a recycled carpet can remain durable and troop through the spills. The “R” refers to its superior resilience over any other natural or synthetic fiber. Next, The “E” refers to experience, having been around for forty years and offering the most extensive warranty package in the industry. The “A” stands for the anti-stain and anti-soil ability of the carpet due to the R2X advancement, Anso Nylon is known to repel the stain so you do not have to clean it up. Lastly, the “T” stands for the six fibers in the carpet that are twenty-percent stronger than other fibers. Ultimately, this prevents it from showing wear and tear as quickly as many other brands do.

Of course, choosing the right brand of carpet is not a simple task but it is certainly a decision that should be based on many factors. For example, quality of the product, durability, toughness, resistance ability, warranty and even environmental impact. These are the exact principles that Shaw’s Anso Nylon brand runs off of. So, when choosing your carpet, protect your floors with Shaw’s Anso Nylon.

Monroe County and surrounding areas, call (734) 243-3502 today to receive a free estimate on getting Anso carpeting installed in your home or office from the pros at Finishers Unlimited.

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Engineered wood flooring looks great and often costs less than solid wood flooring. Call (734) 243-3502 for a free estimate in Monroe County, MI and surrounding areas.

Engineered wood is composed of about three to twelve layers of ply, which are cross-layered and cohered. The veneer is glued to the top inner core layer, and the wood wear layer is the one that is specialized to deal with heavy foot traffic. Depending on the amount of activity the floor sees, it can last for up to twenty or thirty years — a logical investment for a homeowner with an eye toward the future. Understanding the two methods of manufacturing engineered wood is helpful in determining which kind of floor to purchase.

In the process of manufacturing sliced cut veneer, the top layer of the log is sawn off. This method is said to more effectively display the grain and authentic look of the wood. Another perk of choosing this manufacturing process is that slicing the top layer from the log actually produces a thicker wear layer for the floor. In the method known as rotary cut veneer, lathes can be used to peel a layer off the log. This style of manufacturing depicts a more wild grain look, which could better suit other styles of home décor.

One major difference between solid wood flooring and engineered wood flooring is the ability to sand the flooring down in order to prolong its life. Solid wood flooring is about ¾” thick, and if sanded down further than 5/16” deep, the nails will begin to show from the installation process. Engineered wood, on the other hand, has a wear layer that ranges from .66 mm to 6 mm, which means it could conceivably be sanded about five times before replacement.

Therefore, it is crucial for the homeowner to determine how much traffic the floor will receive. The more foot traffic, the thicker the wear layer should be. Keep in mind that not all engineered wood floors are the same; some are manufactured using cheaper wood or alternative methods. A quality engineered wood floor, however, is a worthwhile investment that saves money and can last for years — a dream come true for any homeowner who wants an attractive, authentic, durable look in their home.

Call (734) 243-3502 today to receive a free estimate on having engineered wood installed in your home or office from the pros at Finishers Unlimited.

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Ceramic tile comes in a variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and designs, making it the perfect option for kitchen, bathroom, and foyer flooring in the home and office.

Mosaic, on the other hand, bears color throughout the entire tile. This type of flooring tends to be more resistant to chipping and water than many others. Homeowners who want to opt out of a glaze can choose quarry tiles, which contain a number of different clays that are mixed together. These tiles, however, are generally not recommended for outdoor use due to their porous surface and varying shapes.

The size of the tiles is also important, depending on the desired style of the home. The most popular size is a 4-¼” square tile, but larger tiles from 12”x12” to 18×18” are also trending. Those seeking more of a mosaic look may opt for smaller, one-inch tiles that are better suited for creating patterns and borders. It used to be common for ceramic tile designs to stick with more neutral colors like gray, white or almond, but over time, colors have become much bolder and more experimental.

Some styles of home may be best suited to the traditional approach, while more unique homes will require taking a few risks in shape, size and color. Regardless, beauty is always in the eye of the beholder.

Call (734) 243-3502 today to receive a free estimate on ceramic tile installation in your home or office from the pros at Finishers Unlimited.

Carpets come in a variety of options and there are multiple benefits to choosing carpeting over a hard surface floor, most namely the cushion and comfort that comes with it.

Woven Carpet is a Popular Option for Homeowners

Woven carpet is similar to woven cloth in the sense that it is created on a loom, and it can be plush or Berber. Berber is a cut-and-loop type of carpet, while plush is a cut-and-pile style. New advancements have led to the design of a mixture of both cut-and-pile and cut-and-loop, a metamorphosis that allows for a number of intricate designs featuring different color threads. Manufacturing of these carpets, however, typically takes longer, which raises the cost.

A noteworthy high traffic carpet that is often found in hotels due to its durability is needle felt. Manufacturing is more complex, as synthetic fibers are combined and felted using barbed fork needles. Knotted carpet involves attaching a supplementary weft to the warp of one to three knots, thus forming the nap or pile of the carpeting and producing carpet styles like shag, popular in the seventies. Today, tufted carpet is the most common manufacturing method. By shooting the pile into the backing of the carpet and bonding it to another weave, tufted carpet is highly durable. Another slightly less popular style is the flat weave, which is made by interlocking threads. Once dissected, each type of carpeting has something unique to offer to the discerning homeowner in terms of style, durability and lifespan.

Call (734) 243-3502 today to get a free estimate on having new carpet in Monroe installed in your home or office from the pros at Finishers Unlimited.