Author: Rooster Creatives

Featured Floor: European Oak Mauritius

Today we are shining the spotlight on deluxe European oak Mauritius from our Timbertop Lifestyle collection! Let’s take a deeper look at this stunning wide plank floor.

AESTHETIC & STYLE

A tropical paradise off the coast of Africa, the Island of Mauritius is known for its pristine beaches and remarkable reefs. Visitors flock from continents away to relax in this exotic haven. Our European oak color by the same name is fitting of this title as it exhibits light and airy color, reminiscent of the salty beach air. The beautiful blonde reactive stain accentuates the natural beauty and character of each 9.5″ wide plank, making this a fine choice for any space.

STRENGTH & DURABILITY

The European oak Mauritius’ 9 1/2″ wide planks are constructed with a luxe 6mm wear layer that is further bolstered with a hevea cross-finger engineered core. This engineered construction enables the floor to be structurally stable and minimizes the expected seasonal expansion and gapping in hardwood floors. The Timbertop collection is backed with Urbanfloor’s lifetime structural and 35-year finish warranty (see warranty information here for more details). As a result, you can choose the Mauritius with confidence that its timeless aesthetic will endure for years to come.

SAFETY STANDARDS

We ensure cleaner air for your family. In step with our company’s values, all our engineered wood flooring is proudly FloorScore certified. FloorScore certification is a voluntary, independent certification program. The FloorScore program tests and certifies that hard surface flooring and the materials that they are made with conform to stringent indoor quality emission standards.

You can read more about FloorScore certification here.

Love the Mauritius? This stunning floor is also available in a coordinating 4 3/4″ herringbone!

10 Tips for Choosing Your Hardwood Floor | Pt. 5

It’s time for the final installment of our blog series –  10 Tips for Choosing Your Hardwood Floor!

To review, here is the list of considerations we think will be most helpful in your flooring purchase:

10 Things to Consider When Selecting Your Hardwood Floor
  1.    Aesthetic
  2.    Price
  3.    Width
  4.    Texture
  5.    Finish
  6.    Wear Layer
  7.    Species
  8.    Installation Method
  9.    Lead Time
  10.    Sustainability

Let’s complete the list and turn our our focus to today’s last two items: Lead Time and Sustainability!

Pictured: Herringbone Lucca

9. Lead Time

In a time of backordered appliances and shipping delays galore, lead time is now an important consideration when it comes to selecting your hardwood floor. We at Urbanfloor do our best to ensure each of our products are well stocked and ready for shipment when each order is placed. Even so, as you choose your hardwood flooring, be sure to ask the flooring dealer about lead time to avoid any surprise delays. Even if the product is in stock, it’s always good to know how long delivery will take to your location!

To find an Urbanfloor dealer near you, click here.

Pictured: Chardonnay

10. Sustainability

There are strict laws instituted in Northern America that govern the legal and ethical logging, harvesting, and importing practices of woods and plants, ensuring the future sustainability of forests. First passed in 1900, the Lacey Act became the first federal law to protect wildlife. All Urbanfloor products are Lacey Act compliant, ensuring the protection and sustainability of our world’s forests and native wildlife for generations to come.

Pictured: Vail

To view the complete Lacey Act, click here.

As a result, you can choose Urbanfloor hardwood products with the confidence that our incredible world’s forests are being protected.

BONUS Consideration: Safety

All Urbanfloor products are Carb II and Floorscore certified!

We prioritize clean air for your family. In step with our company’s values, all our engineered wood flooring is proudly FloorScore certified. FloorScore certification is a voluntary, independent certification program. FloorScore tests and certifies that hard surface flooring and the materials that they are made with are in compliance with stringent indoor quality emissions.

You can read more about FloorScore certification here.

In addition, we ensure that all our products are CARB II compliant and meet or exceed all environmental, health and safety requirements, including formaldehyde emissions required by the U.S federal government as well as state requirements such as CARB II, (California Air Resource Board).

 

We hope you’ve enjoyed this 5 part series on some of the most important things to keep in mind when making a hardwood flooring purchase!

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10 Tips for Choosing Your Hardwood Floor | Pt. 4

We are back with another installment in our current blog series – 10 Tips for Choosing Your Hardwood Floor! In case you missed it our last posts, you can click on the first four items in the list below to read more!

 

To review, here is the list of considerations we think will be most helpful in your flooring purchase:

10 Things to Consider When Selecting Your Hardwood Floor
  1.    Aesthetic
  2.    Price
  3.    Width
  4.    Texture
  5.    Finish
  6.    Wear Layer
  7.    Species
  8.    Installation Method
  9.    Lead Time
  10.    Sustainability

Let’s turn our focus to today’s two highlighted items: Species and Installation Method!

Pictured: Lambrusco

6. Species

Engineered hardwood is available in a variety of species. From birch to maple to hickory to walnut to European oak, each species has its own unique set of characteristics and performance qualities. When selecting what species of hardwood flooring, it is important to take into account your visual preference as well as budgetary and durability requirements for your lifestyle.

We offer a selection of European oak, maple, birch, acacia, American hickory, and American walnut floors. You can easily browse by species by clicking any of the links above or click here to view our entire product lineup.

One of the best tools for comparing the durability of any given species would be its Janka Hardness Rating. The Janka hardness test measures the hardness or density of wood. It measures the force required to embed a 0.44″ steel ball into the wood until half of the steel ball is into the wood. It was developed as a variation of Brinell test (measurement method of hardness of metals).

Different factors can impact how each flooring performs on this test. For example, the type of core (for engineered flooring), grain direction and thickness of surface can all affect the results. Results of the measurements are stated in various ways for different countries. In the United States, the measurement is in pounds-force (lbf), though other countries may state the test result in different units: kilogram-force (kgf), newtons (N), kilonewtons (kN), or simply treated as units (ex. “660 Janka”).

Pictured: Lambrusco

7. Installation Method

There are 4 different installation methods to choose from when it comes to installing hardwood floor.

1. Nail Down

Nails are utilized to fasten the wood to the subfloor and is a popular method of installation for thin hardwood flooring.

2. Staple Down

The staple down method is similar to the nail down method, except for the substitution of staples which makes for a simpler installation process.

3. Glue Down

With the glue down method, the hardwood planks are adhered directly to the floor using a strong adhesive. For more information on what adhesive is recommended for your Urbanfloor product, click here.

4. Floating

With the floating installation method, the planks are not attached to the subfloor in any way. In this method, glue is applied to the grooves of the boards to ensure a secure and lasting installation.

You can view the installation methods possible for your Urbanfloor flooring on each flooring page under the heading “Technical Specs”.

Come back to the blog and join us again for the final installment as we tackle the last two topics on this list – Lead Time and Sustainability!

10 Tips for Choosing Your Hardwood Floor | Pt. 3

We are back with another installment in our current blog series – 10 Tips for Choosing Your Hardwood Floor! In case you missed it our last posts, you can click on the first four items in the list below to read more!

 

To review, here is the list of considerations we think will be most helpful in your flooring purchase:

10 Things to Consider When Selecting Your Hardwood Floor
  1.    Aesthetic
  2.    Price
  3.    Width
  4.    Texture
  5.    Finish
  6.    Wear Layer
  7.    Species
  8.    Installation Method
  9.    Lead Time
  10.    Sustainability

Without further ado, let’s delve into two more important aspects of hardwood flooring selection: Finish and Wear Layer!

Pictured: Herringbone Absolute

5. Finish

There are two main finish types in the hardwood flooring world – oil and lacquer/urethane. Modern water-based lacquer or water-based urethane finished floors sit atop the wood and do not penetrate the wood itself such as is the case with an oil finished floor. A lacquer finish protects the wood in areas of high traffic and is one of the toughest finishes available. When the inevitable spills occur, a reasonably quick cleanup will prevent it seeping into the body of the floor itself. A lacquer finish does tend to scratch and scuff more easily than an oiled floor, so it is all the more important to follow appropriate cleaning and care guidelines to keep the floor looking beautiful for years to come.

For more information, review our Cleaning and Care guidelines here.

Pictured: Brunello

Oil finishes have long been popular in Europe and their popularity is now spreading to the United States also; with a modern matte finish, composition, and stunning natural aesthetics, it is easy to see why. Urbanfloor utilizes WOCA oil finishes exclusively. WOCA oil finishes are VOC free, plant-based, and eligible for LEED credits. While notably not as durable as the standard lacquer or urethane finish, oil finishes are easy to repair. When scratches inevitably occur, they can be buffed out and blended away. For larger abrasions, the area can be sanded down, re-stained, and re-oiled to blend in with the rest of the floor once again.

Pictured: Mozart

6. Wear Layer

So what is a wear layer and why does it matter? Engineered flooring is constructed with multiple layers of wood at its core. Each layer of the core is lain cross-grain to reinforce the strength of the plank and make it more structurally stable so as to minimize seasonal expansion and gapping.

On the surface of this multi-ply core is the top layer of hardwood which gives engineered hardwood flooring its beautiful appearance. Often referred to as a wear layer, this top layer of hardwood comes in varying species, textures, and thicknesses.

Pictured: Lambrusco

Generally speaking, the thicker the wear layer, the more likely it will be able to be sanded and refinished 10 or 20 years down the line when your floor begins to show natural wear. With a thinner wear layer, this option of a complete refinish is not always possible. However, even in the case of a thin wear layer, a screen and recoat (which involves removing the original factory finish and re-coating with a new layer of lacquer) is always a fantastic option to breathe life back into older floors that have need of some TLC.

Pictured: Trentino

It is important to note that any refinishing or screen and re-coat process should always be completed by a listened professional and that any changes to the factory finish voids the finish warranty. We recommend reaching out to an NWFA certified professional; you can search their directory here.

Come back to the blog and join us again for another installment as we tackle the next two topics on this list – Species and Installation Method! 

Luxury Living: Take a Virtual Tour of a Los Angeles Mansion

Pictured: Trentino (Left),  Zanzibar (Right)

Los Angeles, California is home to some of the most extravagant and opulent homes in the country and today we are shining the spotlight on one of its finest. Step inside this 20,000+ square foot mega-mansion where modern flair meets timeless style.

Constructed in 2019, this sprawling home features 7 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms and a vast landscaped lot including a lavish pool off the terrace in the beautifully landscaped back gardens.

If the front view of the home was not enough to take your breath away, the first thing you see upon entering the massive double doors is a stunning bifurcated staircase. Large checkerboard marble adorns most of the first floor and leads to the European oak Trentino on the palatial stairs.

Splashes of vibrant color accent the stark black and vibrant white color palette of the spacious chef’s kitchen.

Villa Caprisi: Trentino

The incredible onyx planks of the European oak Trentino are featured all the way up the luxurious staircase leading to the second level.

Each 9.5″ wide plank is constructed using genuine character grade European oak. This results in hardwoods that are not only highly durable, but that stand unrivaled as magnificent works of art.

This incredible home does not shy away from the use of bold color. Appropriately dubbed the “Pink Room”, this beautiful and bold bedroom is fit for a princess.

Just next door lies the playroom of children’s daydreams. A grand pink sofa, daring wallpaper, and a grand chandelier come together to create the perfect space for imaginative play.

Rest in style in the large guest sleeping quarters down the hall, more comfortable and beautiful than the most luxurious hotel.

Timbertop Chevron: Zanzibar

Of course, we have reserved the best for last. The premium European oak Zanzibar adorns the expansive primary suite. The light blond color of the Zanzibar is reminiscent of fine white sand beaches and brings to mind the luxury of a quiet retreat.

Through the doorway of the lush primary bedroom is a bathroom that is, in a word, absolutely extravagant.

We hope you enjoyed your virtual tour of this incredible space! Love what you see here? View more details on the Trentino and Zanzibar on our website or click here to be connected with an Urbanfloor retailer nearest you.

 

Introducing Timbertop Herringbone

Introducing the beautiful Timbertop Herringbone!

We are excited to bring you 8 stunning herringbone floors to coordinate with existing colors in the premium Timbertop Lifestyle series. Whether installed as an accent in a particular room or throughout your entire home, the Timbertop Herringbone steals the show. With the combination of timeless elegance from days past and modern textures and finishes, we bring you these absolutely stunning flooring options we know you are going to love.

 

St. Moritz Herringbone

St. Moritz, Switzerland is a destination whose name is synonymous with elegance, style and class and its mineral springs has been attracting visitors for over 3000 years. Like its namesake, the Herringbone St. Moritz exudes sophistication. With its beautiful warm tones and 4 3/4-inch-wide planks, the St. Moritz will transform your home into a destination of its own.

 

Biarritz Herringbone

Biarritz, an elegant seaside town on the Basque coast in France was once the premier vacation destination for nobility. This city maintains its popularity today due to its picturesque scenery. Our herringbone floor by the same name brings the elegance and acclaim of this city to life in your home. Enjoy the beauty and repose of a seaside retreat with the classic warmth of the Herringbone Biarritz.

 

Mauritius Herringbone

A tropical paradise off the coast of Africa, the Island of Mauritius is known for its pristine beaches and remarkable reefs. Visitors flock from continents away to relax in this exotic haven. Our European oak herringbone color by the same name is fitting of this title as it exhibits light and airy color, reminiscent of the salty beach air. The beautiful blonde reactive stain accentuates the natural beauty of the wood and its character, making this a fine choice for any space.

 

Vail Herringbone

Vail, Colorado is known for its stunning winter views and is a popular escape for winter sports enthusiasts. The essence of mountain views and rugged, snowy terrain is encapsulated perfectly in the European oak Vail Herringbone. Striking 4 3/4″ wide planks, delicately wirebrushed, are complemented with a serene color tone and a modern matte finish.

 

Absolute Herringbone

The European oak Absolute Herringbone boasts elegant warm, honey-toned neutral colors on each 4 3/4″ wide plank. Beautiful grain patterns are complemented with a smooth, modern matte finish, and filled knots and splits add elements of character and charm.

 

Lucca Herringbone

Steeped in rich history and abounding in old-world charm, Lucca is one of the most beloved cities in the region of Tuscany. Inspired by the charming culture of its namesake, the European oak Lucca Herringbone brims with character and style. Each 4 3/4″ wide plank is carefully brushed to accentuate the natural wood grain and complemented with a modern matte finish.

 

Savona Herringbone

The port city of Savona, Italy boasts both views of mountain and sea. This beautiful city combines old-town charm and the modern buzz of urban life. In the same way, time-honored style meets modern techniques in the European oak Savona Herringbone. Its multidimensional, rich brown stain brings depth and warmth wherever it is installed. Each 4 3/4″ wide plank is carefully brushed to accentuate the natural wood grain and complemented with a modern matte finish.

 

Treviso Herringbone

The hidden gem of Italy’s Veneto region, Treviso is a quiet town brimming with culture and charm. Inspired by its rolling vineyards and elegant stone porticoes, the European oak Treviso Herringbone brings the beauty and heritage of its namesake to your home. Rich, deep color tones are complemented with a smooth texture and a modern matte finish, all displayed on each stunning 4 3/4″ wide plank.

 

Love what you see? Click here to view the entire Timbertop collection!

10 Tips for Choosing Your Hardwood Floor | Pt. 2

We are back with another installment in our current blog series – 10 Tips for Choosing Your Hardwood Floor! In case you missed it our last post, click here to read more about the first two items on our list – Aesthetic & Price.

To review, here is the list of considerations we think will be most helpful in your flooring purchase:

10 Things to Consider When Selecting Your Hardwood Floor
  1.    Aesthetic
  2.    Price
  3.    Width
  4.    Texture
  5.    Finish
  6.    Wear Layer
  7.    Species
  8.    Installation Method
  9.    Lead Time
  10.    Sustainability

Today we are going to dive into another two important aspects of hardwood flooring selection: width and texture!

Pictured: Grigio

2. Width

It’s no secret that wide plank hardwood is leading in current design trends, but is it right for your space? Classified as 5” wide and greater, wide plank flooring is gorgeous, timeless, and it is clear that this stunning style is here to stay!

For those who love a rustic or traditional design style, wide plank flooring is a fantastic option. With the wider planks, there is more room to showcase the natural beauty of real wood. These charming and distinctive elements (such as knots, splits, and sapwood) add a sense of heritage, warmth, and unique character. For those who prefer a more refined aesthetic and a contemporary or more modern design style, Select Grade wide plank floors have very few knots and feature a cleaner grain. Lighter toned wide plank floors are especially popular in these design styles.

Pictured: Ravenna

In large spaces and smaller spaces alike, wide plank flooring can make the space airier and feel more open. This is especially true with lighter toned flooring. The wider the plank, the fewer seams between boards. This means fewer interruptions in the pattern of your flooring and in the natural lines of the room.

It is important to note that the wider the plank, the more susceptible the plank is to seasonal expanding and shrinking. While this is normal and to be expected of hardwood floors, engineered floors help to minimize these seasonal changes with an extraordinarily stable multi-ply, cross-grain core. With each layer of wood reinforcing the next, the beautiful aesthetic of wide plank flooring can also be dimensionally stable.

For more information on how to maintain the right environment for your floors, click here.

Pictured: Lambrusco

4. Texture

Genuine hardwood comes in a wide variety of textures. Something as simple as the texture can completely alter the look and overall feel of hardwood flooring. The three main textures you’ll come across in your flooring search are likely to be 1) smooth, 2) wire-brushed, and 3) hand-scraped.

Pictured: Matisse

A smooth texture is sleek and elegant. Many traditional hardwoods feature smooth texture, though this style also pairs well with lustrous modern designs. A smooth hardwood floor captures the beauty of each species’ natural grain without added textures by hand or machine.

Pictured: Debussy

A wire-brushed texture is created when actual wires are brushed across the surface of the wood by hand. This careful process removes the softwood from the top layer of the floor and creates a beautiful and hardwearing texture and enhances the natural beauty of the woodgrain.

Pictured: Brindisi

Hand-scraped hardwoods offer a sculpted and time-worn appearance. Utilizing historic methods, each plank’s surface is shaped by hand to create an entirely unique floor that is full of charm and character. Heavy-scraped floors take the hand-scraping process a step further, creating deeper grooves and a more heavily sculpted surface.

Come back to the blog and join us again for another installment as we tackle the next two topics on this list – Finish and Wear Layer!

10 Tips for Choosing Your Hardwood Floor | Pt. 1

You have made the decision! You have decided to go with hardwood floor over tile, SPC, or carpet. However, the tough decisions don’t end there. New questions pop into your mind: What kind of engineered flooring is right for you? What color tone, texture, wear layer, finish, etc. is right for your home?

Pictured: Grigio

Let’s dive into 10 important aspects of engineered hardwood flooring selection you need to know so that you can make an informed decision about what is best for your family and your unique space.

10 Things to Consider When Selecting Your Hardwood Floor
  1.    Aesthetic
  2.    Price
  3.    Width
  4.    Texture
  5.    Finish
  6.    Wear Layer
  7.    Species
  8.    Installation Method
  9.    Lead Time
  10.    Sustainability

As we have so much information to share, we’re going to tackle this important list over the coming weeks. Today, let’s dive into the first two items – Aesthetic and Price!

1. Aesthetic

While there are a multitude of differing aesthetic options available in the realm of hardwood flooring – from cool and warm undertones – it all boils down to one essential question: light or dark? When it comes to flooring selection, there is no one-size-fits-all. What is best for your space will largely depend on the size, style, amount of natural light, furnishings, etc. Your flooring choice will cover one of the largest surface areas in your home so it is important to select a floor you know will both compliment your design aesthetic and stand the test of time.

Pictured: Ravenna

Light Flooring

Light hardwood floors have a very distinct advantage when it comes to cleaning and care over darker floors. With their lighter color, they are especially easy to keep clean as they mask dents, scratches, and scuff marks. They also tend to show less dirt and less pet hair (for those with furry family members) than darker stained hardwood. Natural expansion, however, may be more prominent with a lighter hardwood as it shows the shadows of the expansion gaps more. This natural expansion and contraction, however, can be minimized with proper environmental controls by keeping your home between 60ºF to 80ºF, and humidity levels between 30%-50%.

For more information on proper environmental conditions, click here.

Pictured: Dolcetto

Selecting a light hardwood floor will brighten your interior as the light, fresh color opens up the space, making smaller rooms appear larger. Lighter floors tend to accentuate the amount of natural light that comes into the room and give your home an airy, bright feel. If you are a fan of contrast but don’t want a smaller room in your home to perhaps appear smaller with a dark hardwood, go with a lighter floor and bring in contrast with paint, furniture, and other décor.

Dark Flooring

Whereas light flooring may have the advantage when it comes to cleaning, darker floors bring an unrivaled rich, dramatic aesthetic. Dark stained floors embrace the natural beauty of wood and tend to lean toward a more traditional or rustic design. Dark hardwoods also tend to absorb more light, whereas light hardwood reflects it. This means that dark hardwoods are less prone to fading and sun damage than their lighter counterparts. The result is a floor that retains its deep, rich color longer.

Pictured: Brindisi

Given their deep tone, dark hardwoods tend to show scratches easier. Light colored debris (fuzz, dust, or pet hair) will also show more prominently against the dark surface. However, with regular cleaning and proper flooring care, these are not a concern for those who love the added depth and warmth of a dark toned floor. After all, isn’t your dream design worth a bit of extra vacuuming?

Pictured: Savona

2. Price

Engineered hardwood comes in a range of prices. The plank width, thickness of the wear layer, finish type, species, and more all contribute to how much a given flooring will cost. A general rule of thumb is that the wider the plank and the thicker the wear layer, the more expensive a flooring will be. We utilize a four-point scale to give you an idea of our flooring will cost in relation to other collections on our site.

For more detailed pricing information, click here to be connected to your local Urbanfloor retailer.

 

Stay tuned for another installment as we tackle the next two topics on this list – Width and Texture!

New in Timbertop

Extraordinary, exclusive, and in a class of its own.

We have added four new beautiful selections to the premium Timbertop collection! Gorgeous 9 1/2″ wide European oak is on display, featuring stunning new color tones we know you will love!

Absolute

The European oak Absolute boasts elegant warm, honey-toned neutral colors on each 9 1/2″ wide plank. Beautiful grain patterns are complemented with a smooth, modern matte finish and filled knots and splits add elements of character and charm.

Lucca

Steeped in rich history and abounding in old-world charm, Lucca is one of the most beloved cities in the region of Tuscany. Inspired by the charming culture of its namesake, the European oak Lucca brims with character and style.

Each 9 1/2″ wide plank is carefully brushed to accentuate the natural wood grain and complemented with a modern matte finish.

Savona

The port city of Savona, Italy boasts both views of mountain and sea. This beautiful city combines old-town charm and the modern buzz of urban life. In the same way, time-honored style meets modern techniques in the European oak Savona.

Its multidimensional, rich brown stain brings depth and warmth wherever it is installed. Each 9 1/2″ wide plank is carefully brushed to accentuate the natural wood grain and complemented with a modern matte finish.

Treviso

The hidden gem of Italy’s Veneto region, Treviso is a quiet town brimming with culture and charm. Inspired by its rolling vineyards and elegant stone porticoes, the European oak Savona brings the beauty and heritage of its namesake to your home.

Rich, deep color tones are complemented with a smooth texture and a modern matte finish, all displayed on each stunning 9 1/2″ wide plank.

View the entire Timbertop Collection here.

Featured Floor: Chevron Zanzibar

What do you get when you combine time-honored chevron style with modern colors and finishes? The beautiful European oak Zanzibar!

AESTHETIC & STYLE

The chevron Zanzibar is crafted using European oak. Its bold chevron pattern has the perfect light and neutral tones. Featuring a smooth surface and an elegant matte oil finish, the Zanzibar combines the best of bold, modern design and timeless color tones to provide a showstopping, statement making aesthetic wherever it’s installed.

STRENGTH & DURABILITY

The Zanzibar’s planks are constructed with a durable 5.5mm wear layer that is further bolstered with a robust cross-finger core, bringing the overall thickness to 3/4”. Traditional chevron flooring installation is painstaking and labor intensive, but 11 1/2″ wide, 57” long preassembled planks ease the time and cost of installation. This engineered construction enables the floor to be structurally stable and minimizes the expected seasonal expansion and gapping in hardwood floors.

The Timbertop collection is backed with Urbanfloor’s lifetime structural and 35-year finish warranty (see warranty information here for more details). As a result, you can choose the Zanzibar with confidence that its striking aesthetic will endure for years to come.

SAFETY STANDARDS

We ensure cleaner air for your family. In step with our company’s values, all our engineered wood flooring is proudly FloorScore certified. FloorScore certification is a voluntary, independent certification program. FloorScore tests and certifies that hard surface flooring and the materials that they are made with are in compliance with stringent indoor quality emissions.

You can read more about FloorScore certification here.

 

Click here to view the Zanzibar!

Photos courtesy of:
Spazio LA  –  Website | Instagram & THELIFESTYLEDCO  –  Website | Instagram