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an overview of your home flooring choices

An Overview Of Your Home Flooring Choices

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Tell us a little bit about your company and the services you offer.

Ultimate Flooring Company is a family-owned business and has been in the business for over 20 years. We started our business in Long Island, NY and then moved to Houston. We specialize in wood floor sanding, refinishing, all types of wood and laminate floor installations, and floor repairs. One of my favorite things to do is to do install borders.

What is one of the biggest regrets you’ve seen people make when it comes to new flooring and how can others avoid making the same mistake?

The biggest mistake I have seen homeowners make is not researching the flooring choices and trusting the professionals. Reason: not all professionals are trustworthy. Some professionals will sell homeowners on something they can get a discount on and may not be what the homeowner needs after all.

For example, a homeowner I spoke with had another quote for engineered wood flooring and the contractor specified the flooring but he was cheaper. Since the homeowner had not done her research, I had to advise her that he did not quote her engineered wood flooring but laminate, which she would not be able to refinish. The best thing any homeowner can do is to research what they want. By doing this research, they can ensure they are getting what they pay for.

What are two or three of the most popular flooring options that homeowners are choosing right now?

Engineered wood and laminate flooring are the two most popular choices in Houston with types of wood being oak and bamboo.

Can you briefly describe some of the advantages and disadvantages of each of those?

Oak whether it be engineered, hardwood, or laminate has so many options in colors. Bamboo has a very distinct look but has limited colors. What homeowners need to know is that laminate does not allow for sanding but is extremely durable. Engineered wood will allow for refinishing and sanding but is limited to up to 3 sandings. Hardwood can be refinished and sanded many times.

Is there a flooring that you can add to your house that will help increase its value?

Engineered wood and hardwood flooring are the best types to increase value.

What is your advice on choosing/installing hardwood floors versus carpet?

Think about value and maintenance. If you have pets and children, carpets can get dirty easily. Hardwood flooring can easily be cleaned. The pricing if you shop around can be about the same. You just need to do your research.

What is the best way to reach your company?

We can be reached via email at sales@ultimateflooringco.com or by phone at 713.306.5658. My wife Lorraine monitors our website www.ultimateflooringco.com, which has a Contact Us page.

By Bob McCann

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ancient art in a modern world at potters place

Ancient Art In A Modern World At Potters Place

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Pottery is an ancient practice that has been around for thousands of years. While some may have never experienced creating their own pottery, for those in Stafford, Texas, Potters Place gives them an opportunity to get involved with this age-old hobby.

Potters Place is a facility located on Dulles Avenue which offers pottery classes, services, and activities ranging from beginner to full-fledged artist. Everything is available, from adult potter’s wheel classes and one-time wheel groups to pottery and ceramic workshops. Children’s parties are available, as well as corporate team building events. Studio time can also be rented from the facility. The location houses nine pottery wheels, three kilns, and an artist gallery.

For those who have never worked with pottery before, Karen Skipper Cruce, owner of Potters Place, suggested signing up for the monthly classes.

“The way to learn is practice, practice, practice,” Cruce said. “Remember that this is an art form and it takes time and practice to get better and better.”

Karen Skipper Cruce

The great thing about pottery is that there is always something new to learn. A pottery artist is an ever-growing, ever-changing form and can never complete their education.

“We have many students who have been with us for 10-16 years,” Cruce said.

The studio offers weekly classes and students sign up for a month at a time. Of course, people do have the opportunity to book a one-time wheel class, as well. A one-time class allows people who are new to the art form to literally get their hands dirty and see if pottery is a good fit for them.

“Couples like this for an anniversary outing,” Cruce said. “Groups like this option for birthday parties, corporate team building, or just a family project.”

A typical class is small, consisting of only nine participants per session. The intimacy of such a small class encourages a friendly atmosphere in which students seem to get to know each other. The classes can be exceptionally therapeutic for some, as pottery requires a high level of concentration.

“While in class, people forget about everything except the clay,” she said.

The classes are specifically designed to walk you through the art form carefully. The beginning months are reserved for a focus on form and technique. What the student creates and how big the student creates it aren’t important. Once the student has a firm grasp on the techniques, creativity becomes the focus.

“There are so many forms and decorative techniques, people rarely get bored with pottery,” Cruce said. “We encourage students to try different techniques, glazing applications, etc.”

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