Lacquer vs. Oil Finish
And in this corner we have Lacquer Finish and in this corner Oil Finish. How do you know who to put your money on for the fight? It is an investment! Loosing money certainly isn’t fun. So let’s get down to the stats!
So which is going to have the knock out punch? Let’s start with understanding each opponent.
Oil Finish:
1) An Oil Finish doesn’t create the resiliency needed to protect against dents and scratches.
2) Oil needs to be refinished every 12 months which could severl hundred or even thousands of dollars each year.
3) Once the Oil finish wears off it leaves it leaves no protection to the floor allowing moisture to seep in and soak up into the wood flooring.
Lacquer Finish:
1) Resilient and durable protecting against dents and scratches.
2) Does not require any annual maintenance.
3) Gives a barrier for accidental spills. (You do need to wipe it up quickly though)
Have Questions?
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Site: www.urbanfloor.com
MacBook Air Sweepstakes Rules
Sweepstakes Rules
NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
Enter at www.facebook.com/urbanfloor
1. Eligibility
Urban Floor MacBook Air Sweepstakes (the Sweepstakes) is open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who are at least eighteen (18) years old at the time of entry. Employees of Urban Floor and other companies associated with the promotion of the Sweepstakes, and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates and advertising and promotion agencies as well as the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings, and children) and household members of each such employee are not eligible. The Sweepstakes is subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
2. Sponsor
The Sweepstakes is sponsored by Urban Floor, located at 3707 Capitol Ave, City of Industry, California 90601.
3. Agreement to Official Rules
Participation in the Sweepstakes constitutes entrants full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding. Winning a prize is contingent upon being compliant with these Official Rules and fulfilling all other requirements set forth herein.
4. Sweepstakes Period
The Sweepstakes begins on February 7, 2012 at 12:00pm PST and ends on March 20, 2012 at 12:00pm PST (the Sweepstakes Period). Entries that are submitted before or after the Sweepstakes Period will be disqualified. Submissions will be accepted for the duration of the Sweepstakes using any of the following methods: Online Sweepstakes.
5. How to Enter
Online: This method of entry will be available by visiting our website (www.urbanfloor.com) and following the directions provided to fill out the entry information, and submit.
Limit one (1) entry per person, per email address, and per household for the duration of the Sweepstakes Period, regardless of method of entry. Entries received from any person, e-mail address, or household in excess of the stated limitation will be void. All entries become the property of Sponsor and will not be acknowledged or returned.
6. Prize Drawing
On or about March 20, 2012, the Sponsor will select potential winners in a random drawing from among all eligible entries received. The odds of being selected depend on the number of entries received. The Sponsor will attempt to notify the potential winner via telephone or email on or about March 20, 2012. If the potential winner cannot be contacted within five (5) days after the date of the first attempt to contact him/her, the Sponsor may select an alternate potential winner in his/her place at random from the remaining non-winning, eligible entries.
7. Winner Notification
The potential winners will be notified by email, mail or phone. Each potential Grand and First Prize winner (parent/legal guardian if a minor in his/her state of residence) will be required to complete, electronically sign and submit a Declaration of Compliance within five (5) days of the date notice or attempted notice is sent, in order to claim his/her prize. If a potential winner cannot be contacted, or fails to submit the Declaration of Compliance within the required time period (if applicable), or prize is returned as undeliverable, potential winner forfeits prize. If the potential winner is at least 18 but still considered a minor in his/her jurisdiction of residence, Sponsor reserves the right to award the prize in the name of his/her parent or legal guardian, who will be required to sign the Declaration of Compliance on the potential winners behalf and fulfill any other requirements imposed on winner set forth herein. Potential winners must continue to comply with all terms and conditions of these Official Rules, and winning is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements. In the event that a potential winner is disqualified for any reason, Sponsor will award the applicable prize to an alternate winner by random drawing from among all remaining eligible entries. Only three (3) alternate drawings will be held, after which the prize will remain un-awarded. Prizes will be fulfilled approximately 8-10 weeks after the conclusion of the Sweepstakes.
8. Prizes
MacBook Air 64gb with 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor (valued at $999)
9. General Conditions
In the event that the operation, security, or administration of the Sweepstakes is impaired in any way for any reason, including, but not limited to fraud, virus, bug, worm, unauthorized human intervention or other technical problem, or in the event the Sweepstakes is unable to run as planned for any other reason, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion, the Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, either (a) suspend the Sweepstakes to address the impairment and then resume the Sweepstakes in a manner that best conforms to the spirit of these Official Rules or (b) terminate the Sweepstakes and, in the event of termination, award the prize at random from among the eligible, non-suspect entries received up to the time of the impairment. The Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes or to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to damage the website or undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, the Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages (including attorneys fees) and any other remedies from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. Failure by the Sponsor to enforce any provision of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.
10. Release and Limitations of Liability
By participating in the Sweepstakes, entrants agree to release and hold harmless the Sponsor, and each of their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies, other companies associated with the Sweepstakes, and each of their respective officers, directors, employees, shareholders, representatives, and agents (the Released Parties) from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Sweepstakes or receipt or use of the prize (including any travel or activity related thereto), including, but not limited to: (a) any technical errors associated with the Sweepstakes, including lost, interrupted or unavailable Internet Service Provider (ISP), network, server, wireless service provider, or other connections, availability or accessibility or miscommunications or failed computer, satellite, telephone, cellular tower or cable transmissions, lines, or technical failure or jumbled, scrambled, delayed, or misdirected transmissions or computer hardware or software malfunctions, failures or difficulties; (b) unauthorized human intervention in the Sweepstakes; (c) mechanical, network, electronic, computer, human, printing or typographical errors; (d)application downloads, (e) any other errors or problems in connection with the Sweepstakes, including, without limitation, errors that may occur in the administration of the Sweepstakes, the announcement of the winner, the cancellation or postponement of the event and/or the flyover, if applicable, the incorrect downloading of the application the processing of entries application downloadsor in any Sweepstakes-related materials; or (f) injury, death, losses or damages of any kind, to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from entrants participation in the Sweepstakes or acceptance, receipt or misuse of the prize (including any travel or activity related thereto). Entrant further agrees that in any cause of action, the Released Parties liability will be limited to the cost of entering and participating in the Sweepstakes, and in no event shall the entrant be entitled to receive attorneys fees. Released Parties are also not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by site users, tampering, hacking, or by any equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Sweepstakes. Entrant waives the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages.
11. Disputes
Except where prohibited, each entrant agrees that any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of, or connected with, the Sweepstakes or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by the appropriate court located in California. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, entrants rights and obligations, or the rights and obligations of the Sponsor in connection with the Sweepstakes, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of California, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules, which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than California.
12. Privacy
Information collected from entrants is subject to sponsors privacy policy.
13. Winner List
To request the name of the winner send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to _________________, _________________, _________________, _________________. Winner List requests will only be accepted after the promotion end date (listed above). For the Winner List, you can also send an email
Who’s being sent to Italy?
So have you ever been to McDonald’s when they do the Monopoly game promotion and ever think to yourself… does anyone ever actually win these contests?
In a previous blog under the Contests section we announced a dealer contest at the Surfaces 2012 trade show at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in viva Las Vegas, NV. Dealers at the show could visit our booth and enter into a drawing to win a trip for two to Rome, Italy. The motivation for the trip was to promote our newest collection Villa Caprisi with an Italian inspired design using brushed European Oak.
Talk is cheap and people want to see it to believe it right? So here you go. This is the winner of our Win a Trip to Italy drawing at the Surfaces 2012 trades show:
Shawn Zand of Best Floor from Anaheim, CA
Congratulations to Shawn Zand of Best Floor from Anaheim, CA for being the lucky winner of our Trip for Two to Italy at the Surfaces 2012 Expo!
So you see, people really do win these “thingies” called contests. Who knows maybe you’re next! Make sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook and our website for the latest and the greatest.
Tweet: @urbanfloor
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Site: www.urbanfloor.com
Urbanfloor Introduces Ron Call at Surfaces 2012
Ron Call, "Your Urbanfloor Guy" Host & Spokesperson
At this years Surfaces 2012 Expo held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV we will be introducing you to Ron Call “Your Urbanfloor Guy.” Ron will be making his appearance at the show on Wednesday the 25th from 8am-5pm. Which is also the same day we announce the winner of our Win a Trip for Two to Italy for one of our lucky dealers that enter our drawing during the show. Full details HERE
Over the last few months we have been producing a series of educational how-to videos that include Care & Maintenance, Installation, Product Tours and general advice on when it comes to hardwood flooring. Ron Call is our company host, spokesperson and industry expert that you see appearing on Urbanfloor Media that is in ongoing development. See our YouTube Channel HERE
In addition we are developing an “Ask Ron” page on our blog site. This is going to be an excellent way to get in touch with Ron directly and get advice, ask technical questions no matter how complex or simple they maybe. Ron knows best.
So you may be thinking who is this Ron guy anyway?
Originally from Boston, Massachusetts Ron Call comes from a military family background. He has lived all over the U.S. as his family was stationed to various bases. He settled in San Diego County in 1974 and hasn’t left since.
His humble beginning in the flooring industry started at age 18 as an apprentice in 1978. Today Ron is a recognized leader amongst his peers and clients throughout the industry. 34 years later Ron is an expert in all floor covering products specializing in hardwood installation and refinishing and the owner of the very successful business named Harmony Flooring based out of San Diego serving the entire southern California region. Harmony Flooring’s motto “Music for your feet” stems from the fact that Ron is not only a topflight professional contractor but a world class musician as well.
Ron is a songwriter and plays multiple instruments including harmonica, guitar and bass. When he isn’t laying down floors he is passionate about music and enjoys his free time as one of the members of the power trio “V Child.” Ron has recorded and played with numerous Grammy winners and Grammy nominees and is no stranger to the limelight. When asked what propels him in his remarkable life his answer is always his beautiful wife and two children. We’re proud to introduce you to Ron Call, our Urban Floor Guy.
Help Me Help You
“Help me help you.”
Classic Jerry Maguire movie scene with Cuba Gooding Jr. and Tom Cruise.
We’re all in this together. Help us help you and vice-versa.
A couple of days ago one of our customers wrote in to us with quite the dilemma:
“we have the hickory sunset hand scraped finish wood flooring, the installer used lacquer thinner to wipe up a certain area. the finish now looks and feels different in that area. is there a way to correct this problem? help please!!!!!”
We’re leaving out the name to protect the innocent but thought this was an important issue to share. Everyone needs to be in the know when it comes to finished floors.
Lacquer thinner should never be used on finished flooring, because it will strip the top coat and there really isn’t a way to get the poly urethane top coat back to match the others. In this case the installer should replace the boards that were damaged.
It’s just good business to correct your mistakes. It’s tough to admit error especially when there is money at stake but this is where a code of solid business ethics comes into play and you “man-up” to responsibility and learn so it never happens again.
Always ask questions when in doubt. There is no dumb question. Only a dumb decision not to ask a question. Albert Einstein once said “Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” and without questions there can’t be understanding. It’s a part of the process of helping us help you. If that sentence made sense? 
When in Rome…
… Do as the Romans Do. And now one of our valuable dealers will win a trip for two to Rome, Italy to do as they do!
Look for our Villa Caprisi display at the show.
The big Surfaces 2012 trade show is upon us and we would like to invite all dealers to visit us at the show. Our newest collection, Villa Caprisi is a fine European Oak with Italian design inspiration. And that inspiration inspired us to create this trip to Rome. The tagline for Villa Caprisi is “A Touch of Italy at Your Feet” and now… a touch of Italy will literally be at someone’s feet for one lucky winner and their guest.
During the show we are offering our Urban Floor dealers a chance to win a free round trip to Rome, Italy. The trip includes 5 nights at a first class hotel and airfare for two people. This “topnotch” trip has a value close to $5,000 with the winner being selected during the show.
To enter, the dealer needs to register at the Urbanfloor booth, #B3239 – Floor B, in the Bayside Hall. We’re in a 50′ x 50′ space. You can’t miss us. A map of the show floor plan with our location is available: here
Make sure you read the official rules and Qualifications below.
For further details, visit our booth at Surfaces or call your representative.
Win a Free Trip to Italy for Two
Official Rules & General Information:
To Qualify: Every order placed at Surfaces (minimum 1 full pallet required for entry) gets an automatic entry. In addition every pallet order placed and paid in full at surfaces will get an additional entry (1 additional entry per pallet). Entrant fills out an entry form which will then be placed into the drawing box. On Wednesday January 25th 2012 at 4:00 pm the winning entry form will be drawn by an independent agent. Winner must be present. If potential winner is not present at time of drawing an alternative drawing will be made. (A two minute claim time will be allowed.) Winning entry is subject to verification by proper photo identification.
Terms & Conditions: Entry constitutes permission to use winner’s name, likeness, photographs & testimonials for promotional purposes including posting of such information on sponsors Website. Sponsors are not responsible for damaged, late, illegible, incomplete or misdirected entries. Entry constitutes agreement to hold the sponsors & their affiliated entities, employees, agents harmless; from physical injury, damages, liabilities, losses & expenses arising out of this give away. Applicable taxes, if any, are the sole responsibility of the winner.
Grow, Grow, Grow!
We were born to grow and build. Even with Lego® when we were kids.
According to USA.gov, the United States government’s official web portal, the most popular New Year’s resolutions are:
- Drink Less Alcohol
- Eat Healthy Food
- Get a Better Education
- Get a Better Job
- Get Fit
- Lose Weight
- Manage Debt
- Manage Stress
- Quit Smoking
- Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
- Save Money
- Take a Trip
- Volunteer to Help Others
What are your New Year’s resolutions? How are you going to grow in 2012 to be a better person, a better company, a better coach, a better mom or dad, a better friend, a better husband or wife, a better cook in the kitchen, a better mentor, a better… a better whomever you are and whatever you do.
I ran across a quote from the late Jim Rohn that said “I used to say I will take care of you if you will take care of me. Now I say I will take care of me for you if you will take care of you for me.”
A friend of mine posted this blog on facebook from the Harvard Business Review which provoked me to type this up. We all see year after year the standard resolutions for the new year. They’re basically the same each year. The question is how can you grow and stand out from the crowd and not just be the same? Food for thought.
At the end of the day we all deal with life. It’s an up and down roller coaster! Don’t let your highs be too high or your lows too low. High or low is gonna happen no matter what! How you react to any situation is the outcome of any situation. Balance is key.
Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. All of us at Urban Floor wish you a loving and prosperous 2012! Work, work and work at your best with passion! Happy New Year 2012! Whoever you are and whatever you do… be your BEST!
Personally and professionally strive to Grow, Grow, Grow!
PS. This blog had nothing to do with flooring and Urban Floor is a flooring company. So here is a shameless promotion plug: Urban Floor hehe *wink*wink*
Contest: Facebook Like Us Sweepstakes
On November 21, 2011 Urban Floor ran it’s first online sweepstakes on Facebook. Entries were accepted until December 20, 2011. The lucky winner was Colleen Hallisey from Wuburn, Massachusetts. Thank you everyone that participated and be on the lookout in 2012 for more exciting contests!
Winner Dec 2011
Can the use of wood as a building material provide substantial economic and environmental benefits? You betcha it can!
Urbanfloor provides sustainable products by acquiring raw materials from ecologically well-managed forests and suppliers.
The U.S.D.A. Forest Service recently released a report summarizing the scientific findings that support the environmental and economical benefits of using wood and wood products in green building construction.
According to the USDA Forest Service, “The use of forest products in the United States supports more than a million direct jobs and contributes more than $100 billion to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product. The sustainable use of wood products supports forests, jobs, national income, and a healthy environment. It also contributes to green building by reducing environmental burdens with constructing, operating, and decommisioning many other types of buildings.”
So how can using wood products be better for our environment?
Let’s look at some facts from industry peers and published reports:
- Using wood plays an important role in mitigating climate change and is a renewable resource.
- Harvesting, transporting, manufacturing, and using wood in lumber and panel products contributes to reducing air emissions and greenhouse gases (GHG).
- North American forests help with climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere however what many don’t know is using wood products continue to store carbon dioxide, keeping it out of the atmosphere in the first place and indefinitely.
- Less environmental emissions to construct commercial and residential buildings using wood than using concrete and steel.
- Fossil Fuel consumption which contributes to increased GHG emissions into the atmosphere and quantities of solid waste tend to be less in the manufacture process of wood products.
- Over 100 years, net GHG emissions are 20%-50% less than alternative construction materials such as steel and concrete.
These are just a few examples but we don’t want to bore you with a huge list. Take a look at the full USDA Forest Service report HERE
What are your opinions? Leave us a comment and share your thoughts.
Cleaning and Care
Cleaning and caring for your wood flooring is simple. But there are a few guidelines you should be aware of to keep your investment in tip-top shape. If you ever have any questions regarding our products, maintenance, installation, cleaning and care DO reach out and ask us. We’re happy to help.
Visit Us: www.urbanfloor.com
Call Us Toll Free: (866) 75-URBAN (87226)
- DO consult with an installer, the finisher or the manufacturer if there is any doubt of the kind of floor finish.
- DO place mats and throw rugs at doorways, exteriors and interiors to help prevent the tracking of grit, dirt and sand.
- DO put plastic or fabric-faced glides under the legs of furniture to prevent scuffing and scratching.
- DO trim and file your pets claws regularly to help prevent small scratches.
- DO place an area rug in front of the kitchen sink to catch water.
- DO sweep, vacuum or dust mop.
- DO clean spills with cloth, paper towel or napkins.
- DO close curtains and blinds during the day when possible as direct sun exposure for an extended period of time can dry and/or fade natural wood.
- DO maintain with a leading brand of prefinished hardwood floor cleaner.*
- DON’T move heavy furniture without protecting wood flooring by slipping a piece of cloth or pile under the legs or covering each leg.
- DON’T ever wet-mop a wood floor; standing water can dull the finish, damage the wood and leave a discoloring residue.
- DON’T wear cleats, sports shoes and high heels on your wood floors as they can dent any floor surface.
- DON’T allow abrasives such as sand and glass to sit on your floor as they can damage your floors finish. Sweep or vacuum regularly.
- DON’T use oil base soaps.
PROTECT YOUR FLOOR INVESTMENT
Hardwood floors are a lifetime investment and you have spent a considerable amount of money to add value to your home. The first thing you should understand about caring for your new floor is that you are not actually cleaning the wood. You are actually cleaning the polyurethane. The wood is beneath a protective layer of polyurethane. It is important to keep this protective coating in good condition to protect the wood. Routine maintenance should include protecting the surface finish from moisture and heavy wear, which creates scratches.
*Urbanfloor recommends Bona® cleaning products. Bona (also known as BonaKemi®) is widely regarded as the best cleaning solution available.
DISCLAIMER
Urbanfloor is not related or affiliated with BonaKemi USA, Inc., and does not gain any monetary benefit by referring Bona® products. Recommendations are voluntary and solely based on our own experience. Bona® and BonaKemi USA, Inc. are registered trademarks of their respective owners.
