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Choosing Floors for Resale Value in Milwaukee

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Whether or not you’re planning on reselling, choosing the flooring that boosts the value of your home is a must. However, with an abundance of options at a homeowner’s disposal, it can be hard to decide on one.  So, we’re going to dive into the best floors for resale value.

Firstly, homeowners who choose hardwood floors will almost always see a return on their investment.

Resale Value of Hardwood Floors

Besides strength and elegance, a hardwood floor is the first thing people look for when buying a home. According to a report from The National Association of Realtors, homeowners who installed hardwood floors recovered 91 percent of their investment on average. Likewise, the report says that homeowners who refinished their hardwood floors saw a full return on their investment.

In addition, tile floors can increase a home’s value.

Resale Value of Tile Floors

Tile floors can help homeowners boost their home’s resale value. While hardwood floors will likely see the most return, tile is a breath of fresh air. According to a post from Realtor, homeowners can expect an average of 70 percent return on investing in ceramic tile and 55 percent on porcelain tile. Consequently, Realtor reports an average of 55 to 70 percent return for stone tile and less than 50 percent for marble. If you’re interested in tile, see our post on the benefits of installing ceramic tile!

While hardwood and tile reign supreme, they can be expensive. So, homeowners can benefit from installing carpeting in their home.

Resale Value of Carpet

Carpet does provide a comfy flooring option. However, it won’t help your home’s resale value. According to Home Advisor, homeowners who plan to sell will find better resale value with hardwood floors. That doesn’t mean that you should opt out of carpet flooring. Carpet is cheaper to install, easy to clean and works well in rooms with a lot of foot traffic.

Much like hardwood floors, laminate floors are a great way to mimic hardwood, but won’t see the same return.

Resale Value of Laminate Floors

Homeowners who aren’t in the market for hardwood floors can benefit from laminate floors. Laminate floors are multi-layered floors made from numerous materials. While they may be mistaken for hardwood, their resale value is up in the air. According to a post from Sapling, homeowners benefit more from installing natural hardwood rather than laminate. Homeowners have a better chance of reselling their home when they install hardwood.

Now that you have a good idea of what flooring options will boost the value of your home, you should reach out to a local flooring company to get started.

A Final Word on Floors and Resale Value

Whether or not you’re looking to sell your home, choosing a floor that will hold up is essential. No matter your plans for the future, installing good flooring will save you time and money in the long run. For your flooring needs, call on My Affordable Floors for flooring installation and repairs!

Eco-Friendly Flooring Options in Milwaukee

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Your home can make a good impression for your guests and the environment. Homeowners seeking sustainable flooring options in Wisconsin reap the rewards for going green. Here’s what you need to know about the benefits of eco-friendly flooring and what types are right for you.

What types of flooring are the most sustainable?

Hardwood

You may not think hardwood floors are environmentally friendly. However, as The National Wood Flooring Association reports, hardwood flooring is reusable so it cuts down on waste. Consequently, homeowners who uphold strict values of being environmentally conscious may need to investigate all their options.

Homeowners should be aware of the environmental repercussions of installing hardwood floors. Deforestation is a cause of concern for some, but there are options that reduce it. Oak trees are regularly replanted, so the materials that come from bark, such as oak, can easily be replenished.

If you’re interested in achieving the look of hardwood, engineered hardwood is a great option for eco-friendly flooring.

Engineered Hardwood

It has the look of a hardwood floor, with a little extra. Engineered hardwood is very stable, and is resistant to changes in moisture & heat. According to a post from Home Advisor, using engineered hardwood reduces waste and lasts the growing process for trees. If you’re torn between solid or engineered hardwood, see our blog post to see what’s right for you.

In addition, homeowners can look for renewable materials, such as bamboo.

Bamboo

Eco-friendly flooring does a great job of using all of its resources, leaving behind very little waste. Bamboo is plant-based, making it a renewable material. According to a blog post from The Spruce, it takes three to five years for the plant to reach maturity. Whereas, it can take almost twenty years for hardwood trees to reach maturity. In addition, bamboo is water & stain resistant.

Besides bamboo, cork floors also have great effects on the environment.

Oak

With a high rank on the Janka scale, Oak’s a great contender for strength and sustainability. According to a post from Shaw Floors, Oak is one of the most sustainable options because there are fewer emissions in the manufacturing process. Even more, it ranks #2 on This Old House’s list of the top 10 earth-friendly flooring options.

Finally, homeowners that want to find a sustainable and tough floor can benefit from installing cork floors.

Cork

Cork comes from the bark on oak trees and serves as a sustainable option for floors. According to a post from Green Conscious Home, cork is renewable because the oak trees can replenish after the bark is removed. On top of its environmentally friendly features, cork is stain proof and works as a great insulator!

Above all of the options for sustainability, homeowners aren’t short of resources for installing environmentally sustainable flooring.

Getting eco-friendly flooring in your Milwaukee home

Environmentally conscious homeowners have a wide range of options for decking out their home with great flooring. If you’re in the Milwaukee area, My Affordable Floors offers flooring installation & repair services to get you started on giving back to the earth.

How Termites Damage Your Hardwood Floors

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Termite infestations cost homeowners millions of dollars to rid their home of them and restore the structural damage. According to Orkin, “termites damage approximately 600,000 homes in the U.S. each year.”  In turn, knowing the signs of termite infestation and acting fast can save homeowners the headaches and money. In order to know how to identify termites in hardwood floors, check for these signs of infestation and what to do to stop them in their tracks.

What are Termites?

A termite is a light-colored insect that feeds on wood. They have wings and often occupy wooded areas. There are several different species of termites:

Subterranean

These are the most common, and according to Pest World, “the most destructive of all termites.” Subterranean termites are common throughout the United States, normally residing underground or in moist areas above ground.

Formosan

These termites are similar to Subterranean termites because of how much damage they can cause. Formosan termites produce large colonies that can chew through the wood structures at a very fast rate.

Dampwood

Common in areas along the coasts and in the southwest, dampwood termites are attracted to places exposed to a lot of moisture.

Drywood

This type of termite is unique because it doesn’t require an area to have soil in order to establish a colony. You can find Drywood termites in walls, attics or roofs.

While you might not be able to spot a termite with the naked eye, you’ll probably notice wood structures falling apart. Knowing the signs of an infestation is important for all homeowners.

What are the Signs of an Infestation?

There are many sure signs of an infestation that a homeowner should pay attention to. Orkin lists discolored drywall and wood, squeaky floors, and chipping wood as common signs of an infestation. Homeowners should pay close attention to patterns in wood structures. These patterns suggest a path that termites have chewed through the wood. Also, termites can contribute to crowning and buckling in your hardwood and laminate floors. Homeowners shouldn’t ignore the following signs: mud tubes, wing piles and piles of feces.

If you see any of these signs, it’s important to stop the infestation in its tracks.

Stopping a Termite Infestation and Long-Term Prevention

Depending on what species of termites have inhabited your home and how much they’ve damaged your home will determine what needs to be done. First and foremost, you should contact an inspector to assess your home and determine the presence of termites. After your home has been rid of the infestation, you should have professionals assess the damage done to hardwood and laminate floors.

Hardwood floors that are buckled, cupped or chipped away require replacing. Tile flooring and hardwoods such as cedar have been proven to be more resilient to damage from termites. My Affordable Floors offers a wide range of repair services for hardwood floors. Give us a call today to give your home a fresh start with new floors.

 

 

 

 

 

Caulking and Grouting Tiles in your Milwaukee Home

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Choosing caulk or grout for tile floors can be a tough decision for homeowners. Both materials have their own benefits, but depending on the project, one may work better than the other. Here’s what you need to know about choosing caulk or grout for your Milwaukee home.

What is Caulk?

Caulk is made from either silicone, latex or polyurethane. It’s used to seal gaps between tiles and prevent water absorption. Some brands, such as Lifetime, reinforce sealants with anti-microbial properties for easy cleaning.

What is Grout?

Grout is a paste made up of water and sediments, such as cement and sand, that fills the gaps in between tiles. Like caulk, grout acts as a sealant for space in between tiles. Grout is a tough material that helps hold tile together and is easy to clean. Hardware stores sell an assortment of brands that come pre-mixed and unmixed.

What are the Benefits and Downsides of Caulk?

Caulk is a great material for working with tile. It’s super durable making the room for error is smaller. The sealant factor makes it resistant to water and pests, meaning you can reduce the occurrence of mold and inhabiting pests. According to a post from The Tile Doctor, caulk is especially helpful for sealing tiles surrounding bathtubs.

A post from Sanford and Hawley, Inc. urges consumers to choose wisely when it comes to caulk. While it is highly durable and resistant to water, not all products are one and the same. For example, latex based caulk may not work well in areas exposed to high temperatures. Homeowners should keep in mind the type of room and the conditions when buying products.

While caulk is a great sealant, it works best for sealing tile on a short term basis. Grouting between tiles provides long-lasting strength.

What are the Benefits and Downsides of Grout?

The sedimentary material in grout mixes gives it a lot of strength. Grout does a fantastic job holding tiles together in the long run. If you haven’t had any luck with caulking tiles, grout could be the best solution in the long run. Homeowners should be aware of grouts limitations before they hit the store.

Grout products come both sealed and unsealed. Unsealed grout is porous and can absorb water, leading to mold buildup. Poorly sealed grout also invites pests to inhabit in between tiles. Homeowners should pick up some sealant when they’re purchasing grout.

Caulk or Grout: Which One Do I Pick for My Tile Floors?

Caulk and grout carry their own benefits and drawbacks. Homeowners who are new to tile work should consult a professional before they attempt to install tiles. If you want to leave it to a professional, call on My Affordable Floors, providing for homeowners from Milwaukee down to Chicago.

 

Carpet Mold: Getting it Out of Your Milwaukee Home

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The signs of carpet mold range across the board; from colors to odors, there are many signs that point to mold. Ingesting mold or being exposed to its airborne pathogens can cause a number of health hazards. If you suspect mold in your carpet, it’s important to act fast. Here’s what you need to know about how to identify carpet mold and getting it out of your home.

What Causes Mold?

Mold growth is the product of many factors. According to a post from the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, mold needs the following: moisture, oxygen, a food source, and surface to grow on. Carpet is highly susceptible to mold because the fibers can retain moisture, food, and oxygen. If you think you need to clean your carpet, we provide top-notch carpeting cleaning services. Mold can be easy to spot if you know what to look for.

What Does Mold Look Like?

Mold often looks like a stain and can take on the form of different colors and smells. The sure signs of mold are black or green stains that grow and a mildew-like smell. When mold grows, it presents a number of health hazards and a burden for homeowners.

Why is Mold Dangerous?

Exposure to mold presents numerous health hazards which can cause symptoms such as respiratory issues, as well as skin and eye irritation. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found evidence linking mold to an influx of childhood asthma. If you suspect mold growing in your carpet, you need to act fast to identify the source and clean it.

Getting Mold Out of Carpets

The first step in getting rid of mold starts by pointing out the source. Be on the lookout for visible signs of mold which may appear as black or green with fuzzy white spots. You should also keep an eye out for wet carpet and a mildew smell.

The second step to removing mold is most important. If you have discovered a newly formed, small patch of mold or wet carpet, you need to act fast to save your carpet. You have a 24-hour window to remove mold. This can be done by steam cleaning and/or cleaning the affected area with water and vinegar or solvents specifically for removing mold.Homeowners will likely have to install new carpeting when mold growth goes unresolved. However, there are several things you can do to prevent mold from forming.

How to Prevent Mold on Carpets

The most important thing you can do to prevent mold on carpets is to be attentive. Make sure you clean and dry up spills, vacuum as often as possible and monitor the room’s humidity. You lessen the chances of having to deal with mold with a little bit of maintenance.

Need Your Carpets Cleaned or Replaced?

Carpet mold can be cleaned without having to replace your carpet if you act fast. However, if mold has grown for long periods of time, you’ll have to replace your carpet. If you are in the Milwaukee or Chicago area, call on My Affordable Floors for carpet installation and cleaning.

The Dos and Dont’s of Cleaning Floors

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Floors are never safe from dirt, spills or grime. Whether there’s heavy foot traffic or you aren’t keen on tidying up, dirty floors happen. The seasons can really affect things too, especially with this winter weather we have been having in the Midwest! It’s important to preserve the quality and appearance of your floor. However, you shouldn’t grab everything under the kitchen sink and go to town on cleaning floors. Here are the do’s and don’ts of cleaning your floors.

Hardwood Floors

Do This

The first thing you should do is dust and vacuum your hardwood floors. This way you collect all of the dust and debris before you start mopping. After that, it’s time to bring out the mop. Be sure to use warm water, a water-based cleaner, and well-wrung mop. Allow enough time for the floors to dry before walking on them.

Don’t Do This

If you use a vacuum, you want to be sure that it can be used on hardwood floors. When it comes time to mop, don’t reach for any cleaner at the hardware store or stuff you have around the house. Be sure to look for a cleaner that is non-toxic and water-based. When in doubt, consult a professional on the best product for cleaning hardwood floors.

Laminate Floors

Do This

Laminate flooring imitates the looks of hardwood floors and is more resistant to stains. However, that doesn’t mean they are stain proof. When any type of liquid spills onto laminate flooring, you should act immediately. Quickly drying up a spill will prevent staining and damage to the floor.

Don’t Do This

According to a post from DIY Network, you should not use scented cleaners or cleaners that produce a shine. This can lead to a build-up on wax and residue that can be hard to get out.

Vinyl Floors

Do This

It’s very important that you consistently clean & maintain vinyl flooring. Vinyl floors are susceptible to damage when grime and water build up. This can cause the wax layers to buff out, compromising the tile. According to a post from Reader’s Digest, make sure you know the type of floor you have to determine whether or not it needs to be waxed.

Don’t Do This

You should use minimal amounts of water when cleaning floors made from vinyl. Excessive amounts of water will absorb into vinyl floors, causing more damage. That means wringing out the mop as much as you can. Make sure your cleaner is specific to the type of vinyl floor that you have, for example, use a cleaner specified for waxed vinyl.

For more info on the best rooms for installing vinyl flooring, see this post.

Tile Floors

Do This

It’s important to consistently sweep your tiled floors since dirt and grime can cause cosmetic damage to tiles. For a simple clean, mopping your floor with a mixture of hot water & cleaning solution will do. For stains, you can use a combination of water, cleaning solutions and household products. DIY Network has a great post explaining how to clean stains on ceramic tile.

Don’t Do This

Don’t neglect the grout between your tiles. Since grout is very porous, it can be harder to get out the grit and grime between your tiles. To preserve the look of your tile, make sure you clean the grout with specified cleaner and low amounts of water.

A Final Word on Cleaning Floors

Whether you have hardwood floors or ceramic tiles, you should make it a habit to consistently clean your floors. For more tips on cleaning your floors or new floor options, call on My Affordable Floors!

 

DIY Projects From Hardwood Floors in Your Milwaukee Home

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Who says hardwood can only be used for floors? Hardwood is durable, comes in a variety of species, and its elegant presentation makes for a unique living space. Whether it’s for your walls, countertops, or ceilings, there are many uses of hardwood in your home. If you have hardwood to spare or you’re in the market for doing home improvement, here’s how to apply hardwood for DIY projects in your home.

Walls & Ceilings

Adding hardwood to your walls is more than just a fashion statement. The durability, and strength of hardwood make it a good way to reinvigorate your drywall. Alternating materials between floors and walls in your home gives your home an aesthetic that can’t be matched. According to a post from This Old House, you can easily install hardwood on your ceiling with adhesives and nails. With many species to choose from, it’s important to find one that is strong and durable. If you’re unsure of the type of wood you’re looking for, see our post on finding the right wood species.

Furniture & Appliances

Leftover hardwood can inspire homeowners to revamp old furniture. Reusing your hardwood flooring is a simple and elegant way to give furniture new life without breaking the bank. Decking out countertops and appliances is a great way to putting your leftover hardwood flooring to use. A post from Work About House has a step-by-step look at one homeowner’s DIY countertop made from leftover hardwood flooring. The incredible durability of hardwood opens the door to many creative endeavors, big or small.

Picture Frames

If you’re working with a limited supply of hardwood, you can use it to deck out pictures with homemade frames. A blog post from Hunker illustrates a simple 7 step process for creating picture frames. It’s important to know that for most DIY projects you will need a vast selection of power tools that you know how to use. Being knowledgeable of the tools you use will ensure your safety and the integrity of the work you do.

Does Laminate Flooring Work for DIY Projects

Laminate Flooring, which mimics the look of hardwood, is a great material for creating DIY projects in your home. Laminate Flooring may be best for countertops and appliances due to its strength and low maintenance. If you’d like to learn more, see our post on the pros and cons of laminate flooring!

A Final Word on Using Hardwood Throughout Your Milwaukee Home

In the age of Pinterest and recycling, your hardwood floor opens the door for sprucing up your home. If you’re in the market for hardwood flooring to replace your floors or experiment with DIY projects, give My Affordable Floors a call! We offer a vast selection of hardwood, laminate, tile and install in homes around the Milwaukee/Chicago area.

Water Damage & Insurance for Hardwood Floors

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Insurance gives you peace of mind when sudden accidents occur in your home. Homeowners can get insurance that covers water damage starting from their roof, down to their floors. Having insurance can be a luxury, or in some cases, a requirement.  People insure their hardwood floors in case of sudden and accidental damage. Keep reading to find out what types of insurances are available to homeowners and which ones cover damages to your hardwood floors.

Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance can be a saving grace when unfortunate circumstances arise. All State Insurance defines homeowners insurance as, “made up of coverages that may help pay to repair or replace your home and belongings if they are damaged by certain perils such as fire or theft.” This insurance also applies to your personal property, structures on your property, and liability. However, homeowners should be aware of what their insurance actually covers.

Insurance policies can be very complex. You want to know that you have the appropriate coverage. According to a post from the Insurance Information Institute, homeowners insurance covers water damage that results from rainfall or accidental leaks from pipes and appliances. Most insurance policies reject claims when the cause of the damage is neglected. For example, if mold grows in your hardwood floors because you’ve neglected to fix your leaking fridge, your claim may be dismissed. A common misconception is that homeowner’s insurance covers flooding. However, water damage that comes from flooding requires its own type of insurance.

Flood Insurance

Flood insurance can be a savior for anyone living in an area that is susceptible to flooding. However, people who are at little to no risk can still be affected by flooding. According to the National Flood Insurance Program, 20 percent of flooding occurs in areas that have low to moderate risk. When hardwood floors are subject to flooding, it’s very likely that you’ll have to replace them. Homeowners are often surprised when they find out that homeowners insurance doesn’t often cover flooding from natural causes. Having the right insurance will ultimately ease the headache of paying for your floors when they need to be replaced.

What Insurance Will Cover Water Damage to Hardwood Floors?

Having insurance that covers water damage to your hardwood floors is an essential resource for homeowners. When excessive water damage is unresolved, it becomes an everlasting problem. Your best bet as a homeowner is to have coverage for damage caused naturally and accidentally. My Affordable Floors specializes in hardwood, tiles, laminates and more flooring options to explore. Contact our team today for more information.

Choosing the Right Wood Species for Your Hardwood Floors

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There are many different species of wood to choose from for your hardwood floors. There are also many different flooring alternatives that can mimic hardwood floors. But with so many different species of wood, how can you know which will work best for you?

To help you choose, here are some different species of hardwood floors, their benefits, and how they fare on the Janka scale.

Popular Woods for Hardwood Floors

Red Oak

Red oak is the most commonly used species of wood that homeowners choose, and for good reason. It is hard yet relatively inexpensive.

The Janka Scale, a scale that measures the hardness of wood, rates oak at 1290. Considered a harder species, red oak is more durable than other hardwoods that rank high on the Janka Scale. And yet, according to Home Advisor, the national average cost of oak floors per square foot is only $2 to $6. This is the least expensive compared to walnut, which costs $8 to $16 per square foot according to Floor Critics.

Walnut

Walnut is also a very popular choice for homeowners looking to install wood floors. A very soft material for hardwood floors, walnut ranks at 1010 on the Janka Scale. And although walnut has a low rating, it is still a popular flooring species. In fact, according to a blog from CT Floor Supply, walnut floors are easy to clean, and they are resistant to chips and stains. Walnut also works well for custom flooring.

Hickory

Hickory has a very slick and elegant look that will surely impress anyone that walks through your house. Because hickory is a very hard wood that ranks 1820 on the Janka Scale, it’s an ideal choice for those in need of tough floors. However, for those looking to do a custom installation, hickory may not be the best choice. That’s because, according to a blog post from Home Reference, hickory can be a difficult material to cut and sand.

For those with children or pets, having a softer species may be the best bet.

Mahogany

Mahogany is the softest species in this list, scoring 800 on the Janka Scale. It is, however, still an extremely durable and stable species that offers longevity. Plus, it is known for its resistance to water damage and wood termites.

Having a strong, durable floor is good in cases where a lot of people may be moving throughout the house, or if you live in a temperate climate.

Narrowing Down Your Choices

Choosing the right species of wood for your hardwood floor ultimately comes down to preference. There are, however, technical and stylistic factors that still come into consideration. For example, you may want a softer type of wood for durability or a harder species that can hold up to foot traffic in your home.

If you live in the Milwaukee, Racine, or Chicago areas and are considering hardwood floors, call My Affordable Floors for a free quote. Or learn more about our custom hardwood flooring services here.

Cupping, Crowning and Buckling: How They Affect Hardwood Floors

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There are many different types of hardwoods with their own individual strengths. Whether one is more durable or decorative, your floors are always susceptible to conditions such as cupping, crowning, and buckling.

Whether it’s the humidity in your home or water seeping into the hardwood, it’s important to know the common signs of water damage. Here are three signs of water damage to look for on your hardwood floors.

1. Cupping

Cupping occurs when moisture gets trapped inside of hardwood floors. This trapped moisture causes the floorboards to sink in the middle, making the edges rise up. According to a post from Wagner Meters, cupping can occur from leaking water or humidity changes in your home.

Finding the source of water early on will negate the chance of having to invest in new hardwood floors.

2. Crowning

Crowning is the opposite of cupping and causes your hardwood floors to arch up, giving them a bumpy feel and appearance.

The first step in fixing crowned floors is finding the source of moisture. A video from Build Direct points out that you shouldn’t install hardwood floors in a room that contains a lot of moisture. Before installing your hardwood floors you should make sure your subfloor is dry to avoid trapping moisture. Most importantly, having a professional inspect your floors will narrow down the problem and offer the best solution.

Moisture can make your floorboards separate and absorb more water, which we discuss next.

3. Buckling

Buckling is a product of water damage that causes your hardwood to drift apart and lift up from the subfloor. According to Hunker, buckling is usually the product of water damage and high humidity. However, it can happen when the hardwood isn’t properly acclimated to the room it’s in.

There are a few things you can do to resolve buckling floors. The main thing you need to do is locate the source of water that’s seeping into the floorboards. Look for appliances such as dishwashers or pipes under the sink. If water is in the subfloor, removing the excess water will resolve the problem and bring the boards back together over time. If all else fails, call on a professional to rule out any other possibilities.

Tips for Preventing Water Damage to Your Hardwood Floors

Keeping a close eye on your hardwood floors should be standard procedure for homeowners. While the hustle and bustle of work and children may occupy your attention, it’s important to keep an eye out for problems with your hardwood flooring. Catching sources of water early on can prevent defects to hardwood floors.

Remember: You can reduce water damage to hardwood by immediately cleaning up excess water and drying out floors with a dehumidifier. For long-term prevention, you can have your home inspected for leaks in pipes or your roof.

Next Steps for Fixing the Damage to Your Hardwood Floors

It’s hard to keep an eye on every aspect of your house but water damage to hardwood floors can cause a headache. Water damage to hardwood floors can be easy to catch but may have lasting effects on the wood if not found in time.

It’s important to know a good flooring company that specializes in hardwood floors, as they can better assist your flooring needs. Trust My Affordable Floors for hardwood floor repair in the Greater Milwaukee area. Call us today for a free quote.

Contact Us

Address
2226 Douglas Avenue
Racine, WI  53402
Contact Information
262.653.1120
When it comes to beautiful and ornate hardwood floors in Wisconsin, there is only one answer — My Affordable Floors.For more than 20 years now, Kim Hammel, founder of My Affordable Floors, has been personally installing and refinishing some of the Milwaukee areas most beautiful wood floors.Providing wood floor refinishing services that are some of the best quality in the nation.