South Georgia-based veterinarian Dave Richards has had an unlikely connection to Carlisle... for 36 years: Carlisle is his wife's maiden name (no relation). Okay, maybe that's a bit of a stretch for similarities here, but this coincidence struck a chord with him during the process of building his second home.
When approaching building a second home, Richards knew what he didn't want from the beginning. "We went to some home shows, and looked at flooring in other people's homes, and some of the wood looked artificial, even though it wasn't! It was just the way it was finished...those standard skinny little boards. It just wasn't our style." he said. "I said, 'I want some wider boards. I want something that really looks like it came out of a tree!" which should come as no surprise coming from this self-proclaimed "tree hugger". After a quick Internet search for wide hardwood floors, the relationship with Carlisle Wide Plank Floors was born.
Continue reading "Georgia Pet Vet Picks Hickory Hardwood Floors for Second Home" »
Author's Name: Lesley Anderson
Posted Date: May 29, 2008 at 3:35 PM
Filed under: True Hardwood Story
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Tags: building a second home, hardwood flooring, hardwood flooring design center, hickory hardwood floors
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Being that we are members of the National Wood Flooring Association (or NWFA as the industry folk call it) we are privy to many intriguing conversations and debates pertaining to wood flooring products. Most recently bamboo flooring has been a hot topic for discussion among those in our industry and among consumers. More and more we're hearing about this rapidly growing grass that because it's renewable is therefore being considered a great green flooring option.
If it's a green floor you're looking for, you may think bamboo or recycled glass or one of the other quickly renewable or recycled options is the best choice. However, there are many things you need to consider before you know which choice is best in terms of "greenness."
First, just because they say it's green doesn't mean it is. Buyer beware. There are hundreds if not thousands of organizations that offer certifications for every consumer product imaginable, from paper products to granola bars, that certify them as all natural/organic/green/recycled etc. You need to know that not all of these so called certifications are legitimate and even more of them are not so strict in their certification requirements. In short, it doesn't take much effort to acquire many of these seals of approval. When you're considering a green product, whether it's a recycled building product for your new home, the hybrid car you're going to drive everyday, or the organic snack you're going to feed your children, make it your job to understand exactly what makes that product green and how it got it's green certification. Do your research.
Continue reading "Considering Green Flooring Options: Do your research." »
Author's Name: Kim Cassin
Posted Date: May 27, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Filed under: Green Building and Eco Friendly Products
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You know that phrase, "if you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen"? Well, remodelers are heeding the opposite, making the kitchen the hottest place in the house for renovations, and it's not too hard to see why. The kitchen has become more than just a place where food is prepared. It's become the family and social gathering place. No matter how big or small the home, people always seem to end up in the kitchen. Sometimes it's to keep the cook company during a family get-together, or to lend a helping hand. Other times, it's to gather around a bowl of snacks or to do homework after school. When you think about it, the kitchen really is the life force of modern living, so it's only reasonable that during the recent housing dip, people are turning to renovate their own homes instead of purchase new ones. Kitchen renovations top the list of home improvements, according to Remodeling Online.
As a result of this kitchen craze, kitchen manufacturers are cranking out more and more high-quality, eco-friendly options for DIYers and contractors alike. The green movement seems to have hit at a perfect time, since buyers are now looking to not only save the environment, but save money and be able to feel that they're doing their part by working on home projects themselves. Now, instead of simply renovating the look and feel of a kitchen, owners are becoming more invested in the long-term affects of their kitchen renovations by carefully choosing environmentally friendly materials and appliances.
Recyclable materials like glass and quartz are becoming more common in kitchen countertops, and of course you knew we'd mention hardwood flooring! Wood is one of the best examples of nature's renewable resources! Many people often think that once a piece of wood has lost its lustre that it's destined for firewood, but this isn't the case. Reclaimed wood in particular adds character and beauty to kitchen cabinets, and you can also have the satisfaction in knowing you're using a natural, renewable resource for your home that will last for generations. With so many different finishing options available, you could turn virtually any wood surface into something to suit your lifestyle.
Not far behind kitchens on the renovation list are bathrooms. Ironically, kitchens and bathrooms are two rooms we've talked about on the blog that seem further from the front of people's minds when thinking about hardwood flooring, but they can actually be some of the most affordable hardwood flooring projects since their square footage is generally smaller than that of a living room or bedroom. Have you recently renovated your kitchen? What were your biggest priorities in reshaping and refreshing your decor?
Author's Name: Lesley Anderson
Posted Date: May 21, 2008 at 3:00 PM
Filed under: DIY - Do It Yourself, Green Building and Eco Friendly Products
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Tags: DIY kitchen remodeling, hardwood in the kitchen, home remodeling, home renovation, kitchen remodeling, kitchen renovation
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You may have heard of the hundred mile diet -- purchasing produce and other food items grown, raised or created within 100 miles of your home -- in order to make life a bit greener and preserve the livelihood of local farmers and other small businesses. But have you heard of hundred mile decorating? This article talks about the environmental and local business benefits of decorating your home with the same approach as the hundred mile diet.
Hundred mile decorating takes the concept of "green home decorating" to a new level. In addition to being cautious of the materials your furnishings and decorations are made out of, there is the added environmental benefit of buying locally. This means no jet fuel costs from shipping goods across states or countries, and less automotive fuel by reducing the amount of truck driving required for shipment. It also means a sustained livelihood of local artisans.
It can be hard to adjust to lifestyle changes like hundred mile decorating or the hundred mile diet, but the key is to approach them with an open mind and allow yourself to get used to the adjustment before giving up. For example, if you live in New England, think of how many miles an orange has to travel to get to your fruit bowl! If you're buying locally, you may have to sacrifice the fresh citrus fruits in the winter, or plan ahead by canning or freezing your local seasonal fruits and vegetables when they're in season so you can enjoy them all year long. You can start to adapt to the change even simply by changing your approach when you go to the grocery store, and being more careful to pick foods that have been harvested nearby.
The same goes for green home decorating. It can be incredibly convenient to pick up whatever you need for your home at a mega-store where the goods are shipped in from all over the place, but even small steps can make a difference. For example, head to local flea markets to find locally made baskets and candles. Purchase your furniture from a local reclaimed wood furniture company. Buy homemade runners, drapes or curtains from a craft fair. There are many ways to get started, it just might involve a bit of extra looking!
Have you adapted any green home decorating methods, or have you taken the plunge into local purchasing? Leave a comment and tell us about it!
Author's Name: Lesley Anderson
Posted Date: May 19, 2008 at 3:13 PM
Filed under: Green Building and Eco Friendly Products
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Tags: buying locally, green home decorating, green living, hundred mile decorating, hundred mile diet, reclaimed wood furniture, sustainability
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Just a quick update on my bathroom project: Dan began hand-crafting our vanity last weekend. He spent Friday through Sunday in the garage measuring, cutting and constructing the vanity…all while I was away with my Mom in Virginia visiting with my Grammy. I am pleasantly surprised by the results so far.
Here’s Dan doing a little bit of touch up sanding.
We have quite a few more steps to complete until we’re finished, but we’re getting there. Next we have to: paint, build the doors and drawers and choose our counter tops. That’s all for now, I’ll write more soon once we begin the painting and door/drawer crafting.
Author's Name: Megan Sprague
Posted Date: May 16, 2008 at 3:54 PM
Filed under: Megan Sprague
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You may be surprised to find out that having a hardwood floor in a room that traditionally has tile, like a bathroom or kitchen, is actually quite common and perfectly safe and durable against water and other spills. (See our entry about kitchen hardwood flooring concerns) Perhaps you have a hardwood floor in your own kitchen. More and more homeowners are warming up to the cozy feeling of hardwood flooring throughout the home, even in less likely places, but it's also important to recognize the role that hardwood surfaces can have even beyond the surfaces you walk on.
When people think of wood in the kitchen, they most likely think of cabinets. Granite countertops paired with luxurious wooden cabinets has been a growing trend with home and apartment renovations. It seems like when people see "granite countertops, cherry cabinets, stainless appliances!" in a listing, they're sold! But let's step back for a moment and have a look at a hardwood surface you probably wouldn't think of at first - hardwood countertops.
Your first reaction is probably the same as mine was - won't that stain? Won't water get in there? Can I use it kind of like a built in cutting board? Then what happens if the slice marks trap bacteria? Ahh! Thankfully, this article has recognized that hardwood countertops are a viable option for the kitchen, and just reminds homeowners that the extra warmth requires just a little extra care to make sure it retains its luster for years to come. Sealing or oiling periodically will keep the counter in top shape, and it never hurts to use a cutting board instead of cutting directly on the counter (even though you can do that!) if you're concerned about scratches and dents. Though depending on your home's decor, you may view those scratches as a symbol of your kitchen being lived in and a place of memories, just as you would with a hardwood floor.
Other posts you may enjoy:
Expressing Personal Style is the Latest Trend in Kitchen Design
Conflicting information about hardwood floors...HELP!
Installing hardwood floors in a bathroom
Author's Name: Lesley Anderson
Posted Date: at 12:00 PM
Filed under: Home Building and Contracting, Home Decor
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Tags: hardwood countertops, hardwood in the kitchen, how to care for hardwood countertops, kitchen countertops, wooden countertops
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We have partnered with Deltec Homes of Ashville, N.C. in order to build a new home in New Orleans to replace those destroyed by Katrina.
Carlisle has donated 2,500 square feet of its traditional Southern Heart Pine flooring as part of a participating effort on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition". The popular TV show has asked builders and suppliers from all over the country to help out in New Orleans continuing road to recovery.
The program will air at 8/7c on ABC Sunday, May 18, 2008.
Deltec homes and buildings are of a classic round design, noted for their beautiful cathedral ceilings. So ironically, that is where Carlisle’s Heart Pine flooring will be featured.
“We say we craft our floors one board at a time, but in this case it was a ceiling,” says Don Carlisle. “We’ve known the folks at Deltec for quite a while and have partnered with them on other projects, but this one was really special. The whole Extreme Makeover: Home Edition effort to help Katrina victims is a very worthy cause and we’re proud to have contributed.”
Joseph Schlenk, Deltec’s Director Of Sales and Marketing adds: “To build a home in four days was an impossible task. We accomplished our mission because a lot of ordinary people exerted extraordinary efforts. It would have never been possible without the help of our builder coalition, the volunteers and our sponsors, especially Carlisle Wide Plank Floors. The heart pine Carlisle provided was stunning and anyone who entered the was amazed by its beauty. We thank them for their generous contribution.”
Author's Name: Chad Cassin
Posted Date: May 9, 2008 at 3:09 PM
Filed under: Hardwood Flooring
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Green Talk Radio recently had Lindsay Barczuk as a guest. She spoke with Sean Daily about the environment considerations of Carlisle's Prefinished Flooring as well as our daily green practices.
Give it a listen and let us know what you think.
Author's Name: Chad Cassin
Posted Date: at 1:55 PM
Filed under: Green Building and Eco Friendly Products
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I have just returned from our Georgetown design center and firstly, what a beautiful space—secondly our open house event was a great success!
We had a wonderful group of people stop in for the evening. I was able to speak with quite a few clients that our sales group is working with and help them locate some new samples, talk about the wood species they are interested and overall talk about their projects.
Jane stopped in, she is one of Lynne Rafuse’s clients and she lives in Georgetown—a short jaunt from our center. I enjoyed my chat with her about Heart Pine and how she’s really looking forward to it in the complete renovation project of her home. I also had the pleasure to speak with Sue and Jay of Maryland. They bought our Eastern White Pine from Gary Ryer a few years ago and installed the floor themselves. In their upcoming project, they want to use the Eastern White Pine again, but they want wider boards, up to 15” this time!
Throughout the night, it got the chance to meet many other Carlisle friends. The girls from Washington SPACES stopped over too! We’ve chosen to advertise in SPACES, it’s such an awesome publication—check it out.
Clare, Hannah, Janel and I had so much fun visiting with all of our guests! We thank those of you that were able to make it!
Join us for Green Drinks DC—June 10th from 6:30-9:30.
Author's Name: Megan Sprague
Posted Date: May 8, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Filed under: Megan Sprague
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I’m just returning home from another Carlisle open house! Last Thursday, May 1st we opened our doors for friends, neighbors, architects, designers and the media. We were very pleased with our attendance. A few friends of mine stopped by: Melodie Bishop from Chicago Public Radio. I enjoyed showing her our “Recycling History” DVD which is all about our FSC Certified Antique wood.
Jan Parr, Editor of Chicago Home + Garden also stopped over for some goodies and a nice chat. She’s got a
blog of her own. Our friendly neighbor, Doug Van Tress from The
Golden Triangle also stopped by. A very nice Dean Batogowski, Publisher of Luxe Magazine’s Chicago edition was also kind to visit. The Chicago team: Brian, Eric, Erin, Kate and Katelyn had a lot of fun mingling with their clients and meeting new ones. Erin and I both enjoyed meeting the folks from the local
ASID chapter, James and Elizabeth who we spoke at length with.
The event was a great success and we are very pleased to be members of the River North neighborhood.
See us at the Showcase River North, May 13th at the Holiday Inn-Mart Plaza from 4-7 pm.
Author's Name: Megan Sprague
Posted Date: at 11:14 AM
Filed under: Megan Sprague
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Take one look at the guys at Balash and Greene, and you might mistake them for rock stars.
They definitely don't fit the mold of what typically comes to mind when you think "hardwood flooring contractor", and they like it that way. Come to think of it, they probably have more in common with a rock band than you might think-they work together in a small group, they "tour", traveling around the country to different venues they're working at, and they live to get people pumped about the awesome work that they do. Balash and Greene bring a mix of master craftsmanship with a refreshing approach to floor design that pushes the limits of what was previously thought possible with hardwood flooring, and I got a VIP pass to go behind the scenes and find out what makes their wood floors rock.
Continue reading "True Hardwood Story - Hardwood Flooring Design That Rocks!" »
Author's Name: Lesley Anderson
Posted Date: May 6, 2008 at 4:00 PM
Filed under: True Hardwood Story
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Tags: balash and greene, greenovate, hardwood flooring contractor, hardwood flooring patterns, true hardwood story, wood flooring detail work
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