Ben Larrabee, Author at PRO! Flooring

Tile Floors
January 24, 2022

How To Use Large Format Porcelain Tile Flooring – Is It Right For You?

Sometimes clean, minimalist lines can be appealing in your home design. You love tile. Grout lines? Not so much. Wouldn’t it be great if you could get the benefits of tile in one continual flooring material?

You can with large-format porcelain tile.

Once limited to commercial spaces, large-format porcelain tile is now entering the residential scene, and homeowners love the minimalist looks it’s creating.

To be considered large-format, porcelain tile will have one edge longer than 15 inches. Because of technology, sizes continue to change. You’ll easily find the popular size of 12×24 inches. Continue looking, and you’ll find 32×32”, 35×35”, even 5 feet by 10 feet, or larger.

Why use large-format porcelain tile in your home

When you look across your living space, what does your dream decor look like? Combining functionality with aesthetics can be especially challenging for homeowners that want classic good looks.

You won’t find large-format tiles in every home in your neighborhood. And for some, that’s part of the appeal. But what makes it appealing can also leave you a little confused. Will your choice look great when it’s finally installed? We recommend using large format porcelain tile to:

Make small rooms look bigger – in small spaces, lots of grout lines can overwhelm the space. By installing large-format tiles instead, you can clean up the design, reduce the grout lines as your focal point, and leave the space feeling clean and fresh. Lighten your color choice, and you’ll brighten the room even further.

Create uniformity – no matter what flooring you choose to install in a large space, seams can always cause problems. That’s why professionals work so hard to hide them. Not only can they cause your flooring to wear faster, but it can take away the room’s aesthetics. Large-format tiles create an open concept that carries across the living space. Instead of using grout color as a separator, choose one that closely resembles the color of the tile. This will help create the illusion of a continuous tile from one side of the room to the other.

Less grout, more tile – grout is often one of the biggest reasons homeowners aren’t crazy about tile. The different colors and textures create a distinct visual impression, one that some homeowners don’t like. You can minimize that with larger tiles. By choosing the same tone, it can blend in better, and create a more minimalistic look.

Endless versatility and possibilities – every homeowner has a different idea of what a perfect home looks like. We love the fact that technology has made many more options available. If you want clean lines in your living space, if you are looking for something you won’t find in every home in your neighborhood, large-format tile may be just what you’re looking for. We can help you imagine it in your home – just stop by.

More reasons to use large-format tiles

Still not sure if large-format porcelain tiles are suitable for you? Read on. We help homeowners every day select the right flooring to suit their needs. If you love tile, and want something a bit different from your neighbor’s large-format may be the perfect choice for you.

They create a sense of spaciousness – in the design world, professionals understand that color changes the mood and impact of a space. If you want the impression of a larger space, lighter colors can do the trick. Busyness also impacts the looks. Take away grout lines, create a more uniform surface area, and you increase the visualization of more space.

It’s not just for flooring – once you start looking at what you can do with large-format porcelain tile, you’ll be amazed at the uses. Start by applying it to your kitchen, bathrooms, and living space. Continue it to countertops, work tables, and wall space. Porcelain has water-resistant characteristics that make it highly usable in various rooms throughout your home. It allows the clean lines to carry through from floor to bottom.

Cuts down the installation process – small floor tile can be beautiful when done right. But the more intricate the pattern, the longer it will take to install it. And that adds up in both labor costs as well as installation time. Large-format tiles can be installed in a fraction of the time, meaning you’ll be enjoying your space sooner.

Large-format tiles are on trend – for some people, trends matter. If you switch your decor enough that you’re always looking for the latest and greatest looks, you can’t go wrong with large-format tiles. They can be combined with many other looks to create a space you’ll love coming home to.

They are more hygienic – fewer grout lines mean these surface areas will be easier to clean. Dirt won’t accumulate in the seams, and will be easier to wipe away with a broom or a damp mop. That also means it’s easier to wipe away other contaminants, like bacteria and spills.

They work well with radiant heating – many homeowners are turning to radiant heating to keep the heat source close to the feet, making you feel warmer all winter long. You’ll love the effect with large-format tiles.

Are large-format porcelain tiles for you?

Using large-format porcelain tiles for your residential or commercial space can transform your interior space into a clean look. These oversized tiles can be the perfect addition to any space, creating the aesthetics you’ve been dreaming of. What’s more, they come in many shapes and sizes, and even more materials, styles, and looks. Want natural stone? Concrete? Or maybe something elegant like marble? You’ll find an array of choices when you stop by our retail location and see what’s in stock and waiting for you to install.

Large-format porcelain tiles may be just what you’re looking for for your next project.

Flooring
January 21, 2022

What’s The Best Room Order For Replacing Flooring?

Nothing can be more exciting than remodeling. You’ve lived with your current furnishings for years. You’ve been dreaming about your new rooms for years!

Yet remodeling can be the start of overwhelm too. Where do you begin? What should you start with? Is there a room order for replacing flooring? Do you start with the floors … or paint the walls first? So many questions …

Luckily, we have answers.

Top to bottom, where do you start?

You have a new room in mind. Remodeling can be as easy as installing new flooring, to a complete renovation of the entire room, top to bottom. Want new cabinets and countertops in the kitchen? Want new colors and decor? Your flooring will set the stage for all to come.

The first part of any project is to remove the old from the worksite. If you’re taking out old cabinets and countertops, that’s the best place to start.

But as you’re adding new materials back in, it’s often best to start with the floors. That’s because floor removal can be dirty work. Pulling out old hardwood, ripping up vinyl, or removing old carpet can pull up dirt, dust, contaminants, and more. It can damage baseboards, scrape up new paint, and leave debris in the path.

Depending on what flooring you’re installing, it can also be a messy process. Installing hardwood may mean sanding down the boards and placing a protective coat in place. It’s better to do this first than to add the finishing touches, only to redo it again.

Bottom up is often the best place to start.

What room should you start in?

You’re ready for a change in a big way. A new kitchen. New living space. Even a new bedroom.

But it all can seem a bit overwhelming. Where do you start?

The best room order for home remodeling is first to start with the high-traffic areas. This ensures you finish the most popular areas of the home first before tackling projects in areas used less often. Once these areas are completed, it’s time to move to the bedrooms and bathrooms next.

It’s equally important to think about flow. How does your floorplan lay out as you walk in the front door?

Designers often recommend no more than three flooring materials within a home. Too many changes can disrupt the flow, and make it too hard to transition.

What does that mean for you? Start with your main living space. Do you imagine hardwood throughout? Do you want something easier to maintain?

Because main living spaces are most subjected to wear and tear, this is a time for you to think and plan for what your household needs most. Are you an empty nester who likes to throw parties? Do you have a growing family filled with kids and pets? Let that help you decide on which material is the best.

Main floor living

Living room. Dining room. Family room. Kitchen. These areas see the bulk of your time together as a family.

That means the flooring should stand up to all your family can dish out. Consider your daily routines and activities.

Of course, main floor living spaces often include even more. Mud rooms. Laundry rooms. Media rooms. Home offices. While a door may separate each room, flow is still important to create a conducive living space.

Hardwood often comes out as the clear winner in these spaces. But even the concept of hardwood has changed a lot over the years.

Traditional hardwood is always a great choice for residential living. Not sure about the upkeep and maintenance requirements? There are other ways to get the same look, only giving you additional benefits for ease of use.

How about engineered hardwood? While engineered hardwood is at its core hard wood, it offers a special protective veneer that gives it added strength and durability.

How about laminate. While it’s made from composite materials, its strength sets it apart. This isn’t the laminate of yesteryear. You’ll love the look. And if you’re worried about durability, this may be the perfect compromise.

Looking for something waterproof? Give luxury vinyl planks a try. These products are growing in popularity because of their function and good looks. Even experts have to take a second look to determine it’s not natural hardwood.

There is even an opportunity to lay tile on your floors and still have the look of traditional hardwood. It can be a perfect addition over radiant heating as a way to liven up your bathrooms or laundry space.

Secondary spaces – bedrooms and basement

When you step into your bedroom late at night, you want a different vibe than what you have in your living space. Softness. Peaceful. A quiet retreat. What feels natural in the kitchen or family room wouldn’t work as well in the bedroom.

That’s why carpet still reigns in the bedrooms. There’s just something about getting out of bed and wiggling your toes in natural fibers. On a cold winter morning, nothing feels quite as good.

This is your space. It’s a chance for you to let your creativity shine. Want to go a little bolder? A bright color may be just what you’re looking for. A bright blue, green, or red may accent your personality perfectly.

Basements present a specific challenge in that they are subjected to below-grade living. Is water a problem? Has your home settled in the past? Hardwood may buckle and warp. Carpet can easily be saturated.

Below grade makes flooring choices like laminate or luxury vinyl planks perfect. They stand up better to moisture, and are better at preventing things like mold and mildew.

Of course, it’s wise to pay attention to the subfloor too. Adding in moisture barriers can help your flooring stay better, longer.

What’s the best flooring to suit your needs?

Start with the highest traffic areas if you’re ready to remodel your home. It’ll give you a sense of accomplishment as you see the final touches fall into place.

Flooring is a personal choice. What you choose should be based on your needs.

If you have any questions about finalizing your choices, give us a call today.

Carpet
January 18, 2022

My Carpet Is Ten Years Old – Is It Time To Replace?

The years have flown by. Your carpet is ten years old. You know it might be time to replace it, but every time you walk into a room, you see something different:

The grape juice stain from your child’s birthday party
The red wine stain from your big celebration
And let’s not forget the mess that your four-legged friend made when she was a puppy

You know your carpet is reaching the end of life. Your carpet is ten years old. But is it really time to replace it?

What is the average lifespan of carpet?

The best place to gain information is heading online. But if you head to Google and try to figure out how long carpet will last, you’ll get a wide array of answers. Five years, ten years, fifteen years, and more. What’s considered average? How do you know when it’s time to shop for something new?

A good indicator is to ask the companies who make carpet themselves.

Mohawk carpet offers up to a 25-year warranty on abrasive wear and texture retention for one of its carpet lines.

Shaw carpet offers up to a 20-year warranty on the quality of the fibers and the backing material.

Residential carpet goes through a lot in a year, especially when you have an active family. If a carpet manufacturer offers up to twenty-five years of warranty protection, they have faith in the fact that their product can stand the test of time.

Of course, replacing carpet is a personal choice. There isn’t a specific date in time when it’s mandatory to replace it. But carpets will give a few telltale signs that it might be time to start planning.

Signs it might be time to replace your carpet

Where is your first one? The very first stain that appeared on your carpet? That’s the one that made you cringe. That’s the one that had you scrubbing relentlessly, trying to get the original color back again.

Carpet manufacturers promise stain resistance, but there is only so much they can do for protection. Eventually, things will happen, and your carpet will show the effects. You’ll it’s time to think about replacing when:

Too many stains

The first stain you can move the furniture a little to the left to cover it up. The second, you might be able to rearrange the table so it’s not as noticeable. Carpet cleaners have a lot of tools of the trade to try and flush out deep stains. But even their tools can only remove so much. Sometimes stubborn stains just won’t go away. And if you scrub too hard, you risk damaging the fibers. That can be worse. Before you buy a carpet cleaning solution from your favorite big box store, or hire a carpet cleaning service for a deep clean, check with your manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure you keep your warranty intact. They offer specific guidelines to help keep your carpet well maintained while protecting the carpet’s structure.

Wear and tear

You know when your carpet has seen better days. When you put rugs down to cover threadbare spots, or rearrange your furniture to try and reroute traffic, it may be time to replace. Every home has a basic track you move each day. From the kitchen to the living room, or from the hallway to your home office, notice the areas that look worse than others. Those are your problem spots. Those are the spots to pay attention to. Keep in mind that different fibers will wear differently over time. Polyester carpet fibers are known for matting. Nylon carpet is more resilient and handles the pressure of consistent traffic. It stands up to carpet cleaning better over time. While that might not matter in a bedroom, in high traffic areas, it could. Assessing your carpets now can help you make a better decision when it is time to replace.

Smelly carpet

Do you notice a smell every time you walk into a room? Or maybe you notice it when you open the front door, only to find it worse as you come closer to the carpet? That’s a sign of odors so deep into the fibers, there’s no getting them out. Odor penetration can happen in a variety of ways. Pets can do extensive damage. Wearing shoes can grind in dirt and debris. And once odors set in, they can take over fibers, backing, even penetrate deep into the carpet pad, or even into the subfloor material. And once that happens, replacement is the only way to get rid of the odor once and for all.

Carpet padding

Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it might not be the biggest problem. What many homeowners don’t realize is that bad padding puts your carpet at greater risk. Think of a carpet pad as the pillow between the subfloor and the carpet. With a high-quality product, it provides more protection when connecting with the subfloor. But as that weakens, it can cause more friction to the carpet backing. Once the carpet is compromised, the only way to fix it is by replacing it. When given a choice, select a lower level carpet and a higher level pad – you won’t be sorry with your choice. It’ll give you added protection in the daily life of your carpet, which gives it a better chance at a longer life.

Old carpet

Sometimes aesthetics are everything. When you look at old carpet, you know it’s time to replace it. That carpet has been around “forever” and you’re ready for something new. It’s often time to replace a carpet when you’re ready for a change. Flooring is a great way to set the stage for greater things.

After ten years, even well cared for carpet can start to show signs of age. Wear in major walkways, and matted down tufts that just won’t stand up.

If you’re ready for a change, stop by today. We’ll help you find the perfect carpet to suit your needs.

Flooring
January 14, 2022

Timeless Flooring Choices That Will Never Go Out Of Style

There’s a problem with most flooring choices – they last for a very long time.

Carpet can last between 5 and 15 years.
Luxury vinyl planks can last between 10 and 20 years with proper care.
Hardwood can remain in place for up to a century with proper maintenance and occasional refurbishing.

That makes it worth time and thought before you make your final decision.

Rather than fads or trends, it pays to think about timeless flooring choices. This ensures you have a high-quality flooring material that you’ll be happy with for years to come.

Colors, styles, and patterns

Before we get into specific materials, it’s important to note that neutral stands the test of time over all else. Think back to the wild colors we’ve seen come and go over the past few decades.

Orange. Gold. Avocado green. Sunshine yellow.

They all have one thing in common: their bright shades and tones.

If you want a timeless, classic design, neutral is always better. If you can find it in nature, your chances of longevity are better. Think white, beige, and brown. If you see the same color, pattern, and style running from product to product, it’s more likely to stick around.

Of course, sticking with neutral doesn’t have to be boring or blasé. In fact, quite the opposite can take place. It can set the stage for strong, powerful lines. It can make the rest of your decor pop. And because flooring is often one of the more expensive items in any remodel, selecting wisely means it will last for years to come. Paint the walls. Buy new pillows. It’s nice to know your flooring will still be looking good.

With color and styles in mind, here are several timeless flooring materials we’ve seen selling well throughout the years.

Hardwood

Nothing is more beautiful than hardwood. That makes it top the charts of flooring lists year after year.

Here in Colorado, hardwood is also a classic design. It’s been used in mountain lodges, and the most sophisticated homes across the Front Range.

Hardwood creates a soft surface area that makes it comfortable enough to walk on with your bare feet. It’s warm enough to keep you comfortable even on the coldest nights.

While many homeowners might think twice once they look at the cost, it makes it one of the most economical investments you’ll make in your home when you factor in longevity. Hardwood can last for years with proper maintenance. And when it shows wear, it can be sanded down and refinished to add even more life to the material. Select wisely, and it can be refinished up to ten times!

Don’t forget about engineered hardwood. Engineered hardwood may be the solution if you’re having trouble justifying hardwood in a room because of your lifestyle. It has the classic good looks of hardwood because it is hardwood. The hardwood veneer on top provides you with timeless looks, while the core structure makes it even more durable than hardwood. That gives you a flooring choice that will continue to look good throughout the years.

Luxury vinyl

If you’re looking for something more cost-effective that still gives you long life, you can’t ignore luxury vinyl.

It still sets the standard for places where moisture is a problem. Bathrooms. Laundry rooms. Mudrooms. Even kitchens. Plus, there’s an added benefit today from the classic good looks.

Luxury vinyl has come a long way since your grandmother’s time. Thanks to today’s technology, you’ll find luxury vinyl so closely mimicking hardwood, stone, and tile, you have to get down to touch it to notice the difference.

Choose wisely, and it has an added benefit: It’s waterproof. That makes it a flooring of choice for rooms where water may be a problem. Let the kids splash away. Don’t worry about the tub overflowing.

No matter what style or pattern you choose, if you make luxury vinyl your choice for timeless good looks, you won’t be disappointed.

Carpet

Travel back in time and you’ll find evidence of rugs dating back 4,000 years or more. That’s because we’ve long since loved the feel of soft fibers between our toes. Whether you walk across it, sit down and enjoy its comfort, or simply want to add warmth to your room, carpet is often the best way to go.

Wall-to-wall carpet is a newer addition to homes, but it’s still one of the most popular choices. While you might not want it in your high-traffic areas, nothing can beat it for comfort. That plush feeling you get when stepping out of bed in the morning can’t be initiated by any other product.

This is the one product where staying neutral can set the stage for your decor. Add a pattern in the fibers, and it won’t showcase traffic marks or surface dirt. Carpets today are also designed in ways that won’t attract stains, grime, and other messes. With good maintenance habits, your carpet will stay looking new for years to come.

Tile

Can you imagine a bathroom without tile? Neither can we. It’s been a staple in bathroom projects for decades. It’s one of the most timeless materials available.

Ceramic tiles can be crafted in an almost unlimited supply of patterns, colors, and styles. Stick with one or combine several for a truly unique look.

Thanks to today’s technology, tiles can mimic natural wood too. It’s a great way to bring the look of hardwood to places you might not be able to install it. Think bathrooms, laundry rooms, or basements.

Another benefit is they pair well with radiant heating. Slip the heating material underneath tiles, and you’ll never have a cold floor again. It can be a great addition to your master bath. You might like it well enough you extend it to other rooms in your home. Tile is a natural heat conductor, which means it’ll warm up faster and stay warm longer.

What’s your choice for a timeless flooring material?

If you stick with the basics, something that’s been around for years, you’ll love what you have installed.

It will be a great addition to your home for years to come.

Carpet
January 7, 2022

Carpet Trends To Stay Stylish in 2022 and Beyond

When you’re ready for new carpet, trends tend to dictate the style and pattern you select. Remember when shag carpet was the rage? Can’t imagine having that in your home any longer? Luckily, you don’t have to.

But that doesn’t change the fact that trends matter.

If you aren’t sure what type of flooring to install, you may be wondering what flooring will last the longest, or what flooring holds its resale value well. But if you’re sold on carpet, even before you step into a store, you understand a lot of options await you. Possibly an overwhelming number of choices. Where do you start?

Carpet is able to do what very few flooring choices can. It adds softness to any area. It can add a pop of color, or stay neutral and subdued. Bold, bright, and stylish? Traditional and minimalistic? You get to decide.

Carpet also opens up opportunities that you can’t get from other flooring choices. With hardwood, you can select from different shades of grays and browns. Not so with carpet. Every color of the rainbow is ready and waiting for you. Want even more? Mix it into a pattern, and your carpet becomes more than floor coloring; it becomes a statement.

What should you know about carpet trends before you start to shop? Some are timeless and elegant. Some will give you the personality you crave. Here’s what we’re seeing this year.

Carpet doesn’t have to be plain – select a pattern instead

Many of us are stuck in the thought that carpet must be plain, subdued, neutral. Not so.

Several thousand years ago, the first carpet was made from sheep wool or goat hair. It was woven together to create a comfortable space for sitting and gathering on the floor. Colors were subdued, typically made by using dyes from plants and materials that changed the color of the fibers.

These designs are what powers through today to give us patterns that can wow. But technology gives us an advantage to be even more creative. When combined, prints can take on either curves or straight lines and create infinite designs. Maybe you prefer the timeless beauty of Oriental rug patterns, with floral motifs and weaving depicting nature. Maybe you prefer highly scientific designs with their bold geometric patterns.

Come in with an idea, and we can help you find what you’re looking for.

Aren’t sure what you want? We can show you a world of possibility, and help you narrow down what will work well inside your home.

Carpet gives you the opportunity to play

Can’t imagine a bright color in your main floor living space? With carpet, you don’t have to choose. Hardwood may be easier when it flows from one room to another. But with carpet, you can select different patterns and styles based on the individual room itself.

Have a music room where color matters? Or a media room where you choose to mimic a theater? Want a specific color in the master bedroom, a color you wouldn’t dare place in a kid’s bedroom?

Color and creativity are a central theme in 2022. Why not make your small home office pop with a color that matches your branding? Color works even in the smallest of spaces. This is all about letting your personality shine.

Who says you have to stick with wall-to-wall carpet?

The good news with today’s carpet industry is you have so many choices available to you. Many homeowners move straight to wall-to-wall carpet, planning on covering the flooring from corner to corner. With carpet tiles, you have another choice.

Patterned carpet choices were once only prevalent in commercial applications, with carpet tiles giving free rein for playing with color and patterns. Why limit that to commercial applications? With carpet tiles, you can be even more creative with the designs you create, mix and match as you go along.

Why not add edgy strips or abstract graphics to your room? If you spill and cause a stain, it’s easier to correct. Just pull up the square and replace it with one you’ve set aside in reserve. It’s a way to give your carpet an even longer life while still looking good.

Color, color, everywhere

A lot of designers will tell you to stay neutral with flooring, and move your color to the walls. It’s easier to paint than it is to exchange your flooring.

We ask: Why not have color in both places?

Many of us fear color, worrying will tire of it long before it wears out. But if you stick with a pleasing color that suits your taste, you’ll love the looks for years to come.

How often do you change out a sofa or a chair? Look back ten, twenty, thirty years – have your tastes changed that much in color preferences?

Chances are you enjoy certain colors for a reason. That’s not going to change. If you like, stick with green. Green carpet can be a great accent for your furnishings.

But if minimalism is still your thing, don’t fret. Neutral carpet will never go out of style. A classic white, beige, or tan carpet can easily set the tone for whatever design options you’re looking for.

Is carpet coming back?

We’d argue that carpet never really went away.

Carpet is a great choice for the rooms you want warmth, comfort, and style in. It gives you a feeling of luxury, a pop of color, and a chance to let your personality shine.

If you’re trying to decide what trend would be best for you, we’ll tell you to follow your heart. How will the room be used? What level of traffic comes through it? Are you looking for a calming space? Or would you prefer something bold and bright?

Carpet doesn’t have to be what other people think. Carpet gives you a chance to let your imagination run wild. Use it as a palette to set the stage for your overall design.

Whatever carpet trends you prefer, you’ll find them here when you stop by.

Hardwood Flooring
January 4, 2022

Is Parquet Flooring Making a Comeback?

Remodeling your home this year? One of the most difficult choices can be in determining what flooring to install. Select wisely, and it can be an investment that will last for decades.

For many homeowners, the thought of installing “the same” flooring as everyone else is a turnoff. You want uniqueness, personality. Why settle for anything but the best?

What about parquet flooring? Is it the right choice for you?

What is parquet flooring?

Decades ago, homeowners didn’t have a lot of choices in flooring materials. That made builders more flexible and innovative when using what they had access to.

Parquet flooring was a way to use smaller hardwood pieces and create tiles by rearranging them in geometric patterns. They are designed with repeating patterns to create truly unique looks.

While popular in the 1960s, this option gradually decreased over time as laminates, vinyl, and other flooring choices became more commonplace. Gradually hardwood flooring dealers moved to other options, leaving parquet harder to find.

Like other flooring trends, you’ll find parquet flooring popping up through time as people look for ways to innovate in their home decor. It’s starting to make a comeback in recent years because it has a lot to offer a homeowner.

It’s affordable

When homeowners originally started installing parquet flooring, it was because of cost. Parquet comes in tile format, which makes it easier to install. That cuts down on both product and labor costs.

It’s stylish

While it may cost less than other flooring options, it doesn’t lack on beauty. What makes parquet flooring unique are the many colors and patterns available. While they vary greatly, the most popular include:

Herringbone – this is a classic design that has been installed in homes across the world for decades. Herringbone is achieved by laying wooden planks in a rectangle, with each one placed at a 90-degree angle to create a zigzag effect.

Double herringbone – to create an even more sophisticated style, a double herringbone is made the same way as the herringbone design. However, the planks are doubled to create a bigger focus on the zigzag pattern. Because this takes more space for the pattern to shine, many people recommend this in larger spaces. However, when worked correctly, it can add grace and elegance to any room in your home. Diagonal placement is best to really let the beauty of this design out.

Chevron – unlike the herringbone, the planks are cut at an angle to create an arrow point. It can be laid diagonal or parallel to the wall, depending on the look you’re striving for. Because there are more angles to produce this look, it does take more labor costs to ensure it’s laid into place correctly.

Basketweave – this takes on the classic design of the handmade craft of basket weaving, where different planks are laid together to give the appearance of a basket. It can be installed parallel or diagonally, depending on your preferences. This design is usually created by weaving two or more colors together to ensure a pleasing visual effect.

Brick – the planks are laid together to simulate traditional brickwork. It’s one of the simplest and effortless designs that can keep classic good looks running throughout your home.

It’s different

Let’s face it, flooring can start to feel the same when you head down a traditional path. Hardwood is everywhere, especially here in Colorado, when it’s a big part of our culture. You love hardwood, but you want something different. Parquet flooring may be the perfect solution to suit your needs. It stands out in today’s industry because it brings a fresh new look into your home.

It can make your flooring shine

Sometimes flooring blends into the woodwork. It’s nothing more than a base for your decor. That will never be the case with parquet. Your flooring will be the center of attention, depending on the design you ultimately choose. Depending on the pattern, wood type, and color, it will be the star of the show.

It gives you a chance to create something new

While we’ve mentioned the basic patterns in this article, it by no means includes everything available. The good news is with a little creativity, you can design something truly unique. We suggest picking out a room and focusing on style – how about the dining room? Weave a pattern together, and it can complement your dining room furnishings. Who needs a rug when your flooring says – Wow!

Parquet flooring installation

Parquet flooring tiles are easier to install than traditional hardwood planks, since they are usually glued into place rather than nailed. They can be professionally installed, or if you’re looking for a DIY project, this may be one you can take on. If you select a urethane-based adhesive, you’ll have up to 60 minutes of working time to make movements in the tile placement. This gives you wiggle room if you adjust the way the tiles are laid into place.

The tiles are relatively thin – about 5/16 inch – so they are easy to cut with a jigsaw. They are primarily prefinished, meaning you won’t have to sand, stain, or varnish.

Yet because these tiles are relatively thin, it means you’ll have to ensure your subfloor is properly in place. Ensure that the subfloor is flat, clean, without anything to cause the tiles to flex. You’ll notice this visually and as you walk over it.

Also pay attention to getting the layout correct. Because of the dramatic geometric patterns of parquet, if they aren’t symmetrical along the edges, you’ll notice the way it makes the room feel.

Another distinct difference between today’s parquet and the products from yesteryear is construction. Most parquet tiles today use solid wood, which means you might be able to refinish the flooring in the future. It’s still thin material, meaning you might not be able to refinish multiple times. But if you’re considering parquet and want that as an option, it’s work finding the right manufacturer to suit your needs.

Is parquet flooring making a comeback?

Because homeowners are adding their own personality into design, and the modern midcentury style is coming forward once again, interest is growing in parquet. If parquet flooring is for you, stop by today. We’ll show you options you’ll love for your home.

Flooring
December 28, 2021

Ways To Make Your Commercial Space Healthier With Upgraded Flooring

There are many things that can make your commercial space more attractive to potential tenants.

Great location.
Incredible view.
Easy access to highways and major attractions.
Healthier commercial flooring

Wait, what?

Do tenants care about what is on the floors? Increasingly, the answer is: Yes.

Tenants are increasingly looking internally for what a building has to offer the people they bring inside. People often spend forty or more hours at their place of employment. And if that place isn’t comfortable, appealing, and healthy, they might consider moving.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a widely accepted green building rating system. It’s used in all types of building as a way for design to care more about health, efficiency, and cost-savings.

LEEDs was initially started by the US Green Building Council as a way of building homes and commercial buildings that focus on sustainability and being environmentally friendly. The founders discovered a passion for creating efficiency in building, and created this program as a way to let others follow in their footsteps. It’s not just a convenient green sticker that has zero backing. Instead, it’s a program that works hard to make a difference in the world. In the words of the USGBC itself:

62 percent of corporate leaders believe sustainability leads to market differentiation and improved financial performance
LEED-certified properties can command up to 20 percent more in rents, with vacancy rates some of the lowest in the country

Sounds interesting, doesn’t it? Whether you’re new to the LEEDs concept, or this is something you’ve been striving towards for years, one of the first places to start is with your flooring.

Better design starts with your flooring material

LEEDs certification is available for all building types and all building phases. Whether you’re furnishing new construction, or have a building decades old, there are ways to make your space more eco-friendly. LEEDs offers a rating system to help you start and progress as you make changes to your design. This isn’t something you have to complete all at once. It’s an ongoing structure that allows you to make changes on your own schedule, to strive for better sustainability over time.

If you’re new to creating a healthier environment, there are easy ways to go about it. With commercial flooring, the emphasis is often on durability. But there are easy ways to marry the two together, and create a dynamic flooring that can give you both. People often go with standards – tile in the bathroom – then simply replace periodically as the materials wear down. While that’s an easy way to stay on track with your upkeep, there are other things to keep in mind:

Some flooring may trap allergens and hold dust more than others
Some flooring choices may contain VOCs – volatile organic compounds which release toxic gasses that can make you sick
Some flooring can be made with cheap products that not only won’t hold up well over time, they release harmful chemicals into the air

Looks aren’t everything. In the case of flooring, what you can’t see may be harming your health.

Start with underlayments, adhesives, and finishes

We’ve seen it before. People have good intentions, and select a healthy flooring for their commercial space that has few or zero VOCs. Then they lose everything they’ve strived for by increasing harmful chemicals through the underlayments, adhesives, and finishes they install.

The amount of VOCs a flooring emits starts with the chemicals used during the manufacturing and installation process. Even a zero VOC floor can move to a toxic flooring if you don’t give equal weight to the entire process.

Underlayment provides multiple benefits, including leveling, cushioning, soundproofing, as well as creating a moisture barrier. Commercial spaces receive a lot of wear and tear. It’s only natural to want the greatest protection possible. But at what cost? Marry up your desire for easy maintenance and a long life with something that is healthier too. The good news is there are a lot of flooring choices that can give you both. Cork and low-VOC rubber can be great choices.

Pay attention to the installation process too. What adhesives are used to hold your flooring in place? Talk with one of our representatives about selecting VOC-compliant materials.

Consider oil-based for flooring sealants and finishes as it’s healthier than other options. With regular maintenance routines, you can ensure it’s always looking its best, and holds up over time.

The best flooring materials for a healthier commercial space

Chances are you have specific materials in mind. Tile for the bathrooms. Carpet for conference rooms and offices. Hardwood to make a grand impression.

The good news is there is something for everyone, thanks to today’s technology. While there is no such thing as LEED certified flooring – the USGBC does not certify any particular product or material – what you should focus on is selecting a green flooring option that will add credits to your LEED application. Look for sustainability first. Ask yourself:

How is this flooring manufactured?
Is the flooring made from recycled products?
Is it sourced locally?
Does it contain low or zero emissions?

The more you can answer yes to these questions, the more likely you’ll score credits on the application itself.

No matter what type of flooring you prefer, ask for the most sustainable, healthiest option you can find. Make your choices wisely.

Historically, carpet hasn’t been considered a green option because of what happens at the end of life. More than 4 billion pounds of carpeting moves into landfills each year. But with a little work, you can find suitable materials from production to end-of-life, ensuring the most sustainable flooring material you can find. Look for natural fibers or recycled materials. Carpet tiles may not appear eco-friendly because of their backing. But they can hold up well when you only replace them one at a time, giving you longer life than you may get with a wall-to-wall option.

Hardwood seems like a great choice because it can be sourced sustainably from a certified eco-friendly forest. Care should be taken to ensure it meets the guidelines of a resource like the Forest Stewardship Council to ensure proper forest management.

Don’t overlook options like bamboo. While similar in nature to hardwood, it’s more sustainable because it’s manufactured from bamboo grass, which can be harvested sooner than hardwood. It also doesn’t kill the plant, meaning it can produce multiple crops through a single planting. It doesn’t require fertilizer, pesticides, or much water, making it eco-friendly in many ways.

Are you looking for healthier commercial flooring? Want something that helps you with your LEED certification? We have many choices to suit your needs. Give us a call today.

Flooring
December 24, 2021

Upgrading Your Current Flooring – What Materials Have The Highest ROI

Have plans for moving in the near future? Thinking of renovating your home? It’s one of the biggest reasons people cite when upgrading their homes.

When you’re looking at your home through the eyes of a potential homebuyer, suddenly those annoyances you’ve lived with look a little bleaker. Especially when it comes to flooring.

A worn hallway can lead a potential buyer right out of your home. Stained carpet is an immediate turnoff. Broken tiles, cracked stone, and warped hardwood all make potential homebuyers wonder what else is wrong.

If you see any of this in your own home environment, it might be time to upgrade your flooring for the highest ROI possible.

Hardwood flooring – it’s what people want

This probably won’t come as much of a surprise to learn that hardwood flooring tops homebuyers’ wish lists. In one study, results found that homebuyers are willing to pay as much as $2,080 to have hardwood flooring already in place. If you’re selling to those under 54, it’s considered a “very important” feature, one that can make or break the deal.

But here’s the thing: hardwood can take on many different shapes and sizes and suit a potential homebuyer’s needs.

If traditional hardwood isn’t your thing, or you worry about how well it will hold up in your busy household, many options give you the look and feel of traditional hardwood with easier maintenance. How about engineered hardwood? Bamboo is a sustainable choice with many of the features of hardwood. Cork is growing in popularity because of its eco-friendly materials and softer base. If you want something that handles better in high traffic areas, you might consider ceramic tile that looks like hardwood. It’s a great way to boost your ROI while giving you a surface area you can enjoy while you’re still living in your home.

Hardwood is still popular here along the Front Range; that isn’t going to change. But the good news is technology has kept up with demand, and offers you many different options. Even luxury vinyl planks can provide you with the look and feel of hardwood, only with waterproof features. That means your pets and kids won’t ruin the finish almost as fast as you have it installed.

The key is in finding what works well for your family life, and marrying that up with something that looks great now and holds up well as you inch closer to putting your house up for sale.

Carpet – make sure it looks its best

People often assume carpet is a turnoff to potential homebuyers. Not so.

What is a turnoff is old, worn carpet with stains and dirt marks.

Certain flooring options work well in different parts of your home. Carpet still has a place in bedrooms, playrooms, and media spaces. If you love your carpet and don’t want to move away from this flooring material, your best bet as you remodel is to upgrade with a high quality carpet.

As buyers walk through a potential home, they move through a mental checklist of projects they’ll have to take on. The more a home fits their needs, the greater chance it has of staying on the potential purchase list. If you’re debating how to make an old carpet look better, it might be worth the expense to install something new. But don’t look at the bottom line first. Instead, look at quality first. If you move in two to three years and it already is showing signs of wear, you’ll never get your investment from it. If you move to higher quality materials, it may look like it’s brand new.

Vinyl – it’s a popular choice in today’s market

If you’ve started looking at flooring, chances are you’ve looked at today’s vinyl products. Luxury vinyl planks and tiles are a hot item because of the benefits they offer.

Do you want hardwood without the high cost and maintenance? Luxury vinyl planks can give you the look you desire.

Want a luxurious bathroom with the look and feel of marble … without the cost? Luxury vinyl tiles may be just what you’re looking for.

While people love traditional hardwood, it’s not the best choice in rooms that see a lot of wear and tear.

Flooring in the kitchen goes through all kinds of messes – how about a broken jar of pickle? Or an overflowing drain that’s clogged from dinner the night before?

Bathrooms take a lot of abuse. Overflowing toilets. Humidity from your showers. Splash time when the kids are in the tub. Not every flooring choice can handle it all. Today’s vinyl is waterproof – yes, waterproof. That means it stands up to anything you can dish out, and looks good during the process too.

Colorado homes almost always have basements for extra living space. Below ground rooms present special circumstances that make certain flooring difficult to maintain. Not so with vinyl. It handles well in these cooler, moisture areas. Plus they continue to look good with pleasing aesthetics because of the wide variety of choices you have to choose from.

Bottom line – be mindful of the flow

Do you see potential in this post? Are you dreaming of what flooring you’ll install in your remodel, gaining a clearer picture of what can bring you the highest ROI when you list it for sale?

Before you begin, look at the big picture. Think of how someone will flow throughout your home.

Then choose flooring that follows that progression. The last thing any homeowner wants is to see transitions that don’t make sense, and a space that doesn’t flow. As a professional flooring company, that’s where we can help.

Whether you choose to have one flooring product throughout, or transition from one room to the next, flow through is everything. We can help you create eye-pleasing results as you move from room to room.

Not only will potential buyers love it, you’ll love it too. You’ll enjoy your new flooring for as long as you live in it, before you move on to your next new home.

How can we help you find the perfect choice when upgrading your flooring, to receive the highest ROI when it’s time to sell and move to the next phase of your life?

Flooring
December 21, 2021

5 Reasons It’s Time To Upgrade Your Commercial Flooring

Commercial properties have undergone a lot these past two years. With many people working from home, when we head into the office, we’re noticing things we might have ignored before.

A lot of our opinions are formed in the first few seconds. Walk through a door of a commercial location, and your first impression is everything. Is the commercial flooring dull and dingy, or fresh and new? Is the decor modern and appealing? Is it warm and inviting to walk into? Or does it leave a person pulling their masks tighter across their face?

If you’ve been biding your time, waiting for the perfect opportunity to upgrade your flooring, now may be the time. While certain flooring choices can last decades with the proper care, maintenance is critical no matter what your selection.

Keep in mind that today’s technology has made flooring choices even better than before. Whether you prefer tile, wood, or carpet, there’s a flooring choice that will be perfect for your commercial application.

Reason #1: Improve aesthetics

When most people start to think of adding new flooring to their commercial space, they look at aesthetics first. Maybe the carpet is threadbare and stained. Maybe the hardwood is scuffed and dented. You notice it from the moment you enter the property, and it doesn’t leave a great impression.

Especially as tenants are changing and moving around, it’s more important than ever to have an attractive space from the moment they enter. Given that flooring is often one of the first things to leave an impression, now may be the perfect time to make the investment.

If you haven’t upgraded flooring in a while, you’ll be amazed at the technology currently in place. Today’s carpet is now more problem-free than ever, helping you create a clean and menial look, while offering warmth and soundproofing qualities at the same time. Want hardwood? There are many options for you. You can stick with classical hardwood, or try engineered hardwood. It offers you even greater impact as well as being even easier to maintain. And if you want waterproof technology, take a look at commercial grade luxury vinyl planks. It often looks so authentic, even experts have to take a second look.

No matter what choice you make, you can instantly upgrade the looks of your commercial space by upgrading your flooring. Whether you have specifics in mind, or are keeping your options open, taking a look at what’s available now will help you move forward as you bring in new tenants or employees.

Reason #2: Create a healthier environment

As a society, we’re becoming more aware of the harmful effects of indoor air quality every day.

According to the World Health Organization, indoor air pollution is responsible for 3.8 million deaths across the worldwide. It’s generated from a variety of activities, including cooking, smoking, use of electronic machines and consumer products, as well as from various building materials.

Depending on when your commercial property was built, and the materials inside were installed, the indoor air quality could be releasing a variety of toxic chemicals into the air supply.

Luckily, today’s manufacturers are aware of the problem. When you do your research, you’ll find many of today’s leading flooring brands create low or no VOC flooring options to help you create a healthier environment. People are becoming more aware of what they surround themselves with. If you pay attention and use healthier materials as you remodel and upgrade, it’s a point you can emphasize to new tenants or employees.

Reason #3: Cut down on cleaning costs

These past two years have taught us a thing or two about cleaning. We’re more aware of surface areas than ever before.

When you start with new flooring, it gives the impression of being clean. And when you select the right type of flooring materials, it will make every act of cleaning and sanitizing that much easier.

You may have new cleaning processes throughout your commercial space, thanks to the pandemic. If you’ve been having trouble with your current flooring taking on this new practice and looking good too, it’s time to upgrade and select one that’s better suited for your process. How clean is clean with the people who occupy your property? Medical is different from retail; it’s important to make the right choice to suit your needs.

Luckily, there is a flooring choice suitable for every situation. Come in with an open mind, and let’s find the right commercial flooring to suit your needs.

Reason #4: Upgrade your clientele

Think about your favorite stores for a moment. Are they large and inviting? Modern and intimate? Clean lines? Or filled with country charm?

That look didn’t happen by accident. Every space is created with a specific target client in mind. Consider who your current clients or tenants are. Are you trying to upgrade the target group you appeal to? One of the easiest ways to do that is by giving your space a facelift.

Start that process with new flooring. Whether you know what flooring you want, or have questions about what would be best for your commercial property, we can answer all of your questions and help you make the right choice.

Reason #5: Make the space more functional

Every commercial space has low and high traffic spaces. Each area has different needs to be met. Whether you want the same flooring throughout, or are looking for a variety of commercial flooring options to blend and work well together, we have the perfect solution for you.

Before you make a final decision, consider the use of each space you wish to add new flooring to. How much traffic does it receive during the day? How often does it get cleaned?

With those thoughts in mind, we can help you find the right commercial flooring application to suit your needs.

And give you a property people enjoy stepping into every day of the week.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
December 18, 2021

Why Engineered Hardwood Is Great For Your Laundry Room

Nearly all homebuyers – 91 percent – state that a laundry room is essential or a must-have on their list of desires. Not only is it high on the list, but it is also the top item that will turn people away if you don’t have it.

People define laundry rooms in different ways. What used to be located in the basement, or behind a closet door in the main living space is no longer acceptable. What homeowners want now is a convenient room that is as attractive as the other spaces inside their home.

No longer are homeowners willing to have tight spaces with few options. They want dedicated sinks, space for drip-drying clothes, and a place to sort, fold, and press items before returning them to the bedroom.

Where do you start if upgrading your laundry room is on your to-do list this year? We have a few ideas for you, including selecting the right flooring for your space.

Start with a plan

Laundry rooms are evolving. Depending on where they are in your home, they may be large enough to house additional features. Put them on the main living floor and they might house mudrooms, hobby benches, workshops, or pet care storage centers. If they are located near the bedrooms or on a separate floor, they may be combined with art stations, sewing centers, play rooms, or extra storage areas.

These spaces can be as functional as they are creative. It starts with identifying your needs. Then determining what makes the most sense with your creative spirit in mind.

According to a Time Use Survey by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American woman spends 17 minutes a day on laundry. That leaves a lot of time open for additional activities. What can you add and combine to create a functional room that suits your needs?

With work from home and distance learning changing the way we function each day, there are many ways you can add these activities to a multi-purpose room. How about an area to record your podcasts? Or a quiet space to take Zoom calls? While it doesn’t take much workspace, it can easily be built into counter space that can be used to fold clothes too.

Before you finalize your decisions, dream big. What can a new laundry space provide for your family?

Engineered hardwood and laundry rooms go together

Every remodel begins at the bottom – with selecting the flooring. While it’s easy to repaint wall color or add new decor, your flooring sets the base for everything. It has to flow with the rest of your home design. Yet it has to be functional too.

That’s why many homeowners start by considering hardwood for their laundry rooms – then doubt their choice when they read more about it.

Hardwood floors and water don’t mix. They are prone to buckling and cupping when they come into regular contact with water. No matter how careful you are, it’s hard to avoid water in a laundry space. Whether you spill laundry detergent, drip water as you move clothes from the washer to the dryer, or prefer to drip-dry your clothing, moisture is inevitable. And that can spell disaster. You’ll be replacing your flooring in no time.

Enter engineered hardwood flooring. While engineered may not be as affordable as laminate, it is more stable in varying environments than traditional hardwood. With today’s technology, you’ll find engineered hardwood can stand up to a lot of abuse, including humidity and moisture-prone areas.

A deeper dive into engineered hardwood – what is it really?

Engineered hardwood starts with a thin layer of hardwood that sits on top of multi layers of backing. Different manufacturers produce different products, so the thickness and construction may vary a little from product to product. This is what determines the strength of the product, and how long it will stand up over time.

What makes engineered hardwood more durable is its construction. While the top layer is a thin layer of hardwood, the core layers consist of multi layers of wood, each positioned in a different direction to add to the hardness of the plank. This protects the board from warping or cupping the way hardwood would in moist situations.

This gives it the advantage of being able to be installed in areas most experts would say hardwood should not. This includes below grade and in places like laundry rooms and kitchens. It’s a great way to get the look of traditional hardwood – because it is – and combine it with the easy care and maintenance of a more durable product.

Is engineered hardwood flooring the right choice for your home?

Real hardwood creates a look like no other product can. Here in Colorado, it adds a certain appeal that many homeowners want throughout their homes.

Engineered hardwood gives you the option of combining the look and feel of traditional hardwood with the ease of other products that are easier to maintain. Depending on the thickness of the plank, the quality of the product, and how well you care for them, engineered hardwood can last for years – decades – and still give you a beautiful floor.

Todays’ innovation also means it stands up better to normal use in ways that weren’t possible even a few short years ago. Yes, it’s hardwood. But with the multilayer function, and the rigid top layer, it can provide a moisture layer that stands up to all your family can dish out. Add a protective moisture barrier underneath, and you can install it in places traditional hardwood simply can’t.

Engineered hardwood is real wood. It’s not created from plastics. If that’s important to you, you’ll love what engineered hardwood has to offer. Many products provide zero VOCs, and provide eco-friendly and sustainable measures throughout the production process. Just ask. We can direct you towards products you’ll fall in love with.

Is engineered hardwood right for your home remodel?