Notice These Signs? It’s Time To Replace Your Hardwood

Hardwood flooring is one of the most preferred flooring options for homes across the Front Range.

A National Wood Flooring Association survey found that just over 50 percent of homeowners had wood in their homes. But when they were asked what kind of flooring they would install in their dream home, 66 percent said hardwood.

We love hardwood. And right here in Colorado, we love it even more. Maybe it’s because we love being outdoors, enjoy all the Rocky Mountains have to offer. And when we want flooring that stands up to both our summer fun and winter activities, what could be better than having hardwood flooring?

But all of that activity can sometimes take a toll on hardwood. If you’ve been enjoying your hardwood floors for years, maybe it’s scratched, looking a little dull, and in need of repair.

You were excited when you moved into your home because you knew hardwood would last for years. But now, all you can do is see age, and signs of wear. What should you do? Is it time to replace your hardwood flooring? Here are a few ways you can tell.

There are deep scratches and marks across the floor

Hardwood holds up great to a variety of family activities. But every once in a while, something impacts the flooring, and there’s nothing you can do to change it. You see it all across the floor.

  • The place you drug the chair across, and it made a deep gouge.
  • The area where the dog loves to scratch and play.
  • The space where the Christmas tree goes each year – it’s clearly marked by a ring.

A few scratch marks might not be of concern. But it might be time to replace it when you start to notice the scratches more than you do the flooring. If a scratch is deep enough to move through the stain and finish and into the wood, the surface area is more vulnerable to staining and water damage. This is especially true in the kitchen or near entryways where it’s more likely to receive moisture.

The wood is soft and spongy

Notice These Signs? It’s Time To Replace Your HardwoodWhen you walk across a hardwood floor, it should be hard without give. When you hit soft or spongy spots in your floor, it’s a sign the wood underneath is starting to decay.

This impacts your entire hardwood floor. It’s a sign there’s something underneath the flooring, something that may affect the subfloor as well as your hardwood floors. You can’t buff out rot. The only way to fix your flooring is to get to the root of the problem. And most often, that means taking up the hardwood flooring materials, and fixing the subfloor before installing something new.

Certain sections have water damage 

One of the drawbacks to installing hardwood throughout your main living space is that water damage quickly shows up on the flooring. While engineered hardwood does a better job of staving off water damage, wood and water generally don’t mix.

When spills occur on hardwood, wiping up the moisture quickly prevents it from soaking into the wood. If you have hardwood near outdoor entrances, placing a rug at the entrance can help soak up moisture before it’s tracked onto the floors.

But if water settles in, even in small amounts, you’ll begin to see it over time. You might see warping or separating between the planks. This is something refinishing can’t correct. If you begin to see water damage in separate places, it’s time to replace it.

Nailheads are peeking through

As the years roll by, and wear starts to take its toll on your hardwood floors, a common occurrence is nail heads peeking through. This is especially common in high traffic areas such as living rooms, family rooms, or kitchens.

One or two nails might not be of concern. A lot depends on where they start to appear. Do you consistently snag your socks when you walk over them? Do they injure you or a family member if you step the wrong way?

If you’re starting to find more nailheads peeking through a larger section of your floors, it might be time for replacement. Sanding the surface area will only make the nailheads more pronounced.

You’ve already tried refinishing

The average lifespan of hardwood varies according to species and household activity. Homeowners live installing hardwood because you can refinish the flooring when it starts to look worn, and then years later, finish it again.

How many times have you refinished the floors? If it’s been a few times, it might be time to consider a total replacement. Refinishing makes the floorboards thinner. If they become too thin, the structure of the floorboards may be compromised, making them even weaker. They won’t stand up to your daily activities even after refinishing. You’ll notice scratches and dings more frequently even after they are redone.

Why spend the time or energy needed for refinishing flooring that will look dull and dingy in a short period of time?

There’s movement every time you walk across the floor

If walking across your hardwood floors becomes a sporting event, wondering which boards will creak and which will move underfoot, it’s time to replace your hardwood floors.

When boards creak as you apply pressure, it’s a sign the wood is rubbing against another plank or the subfloor. This often comes with aging hardwood, but it can also be a sign of compromised integrity. The only way to get to the root of the problem is to start taking up boards and finding the heart of the problem.

Movement in floorboards is also a sign of integrity problems within the hardwood. It can be something as simple as water damage to one or two boards, or a compromised structure to the entire subfloor. Usually, a flooring expert can help you analyze the situation, and help you make the right choice for replacing your flooring. If you fix it early enough, you might be able to save your flooring.

Or maybe it’s time for something new

You don’t always need to find a problem with your hardwood in order to change out your flooring.

Maybe you’ve lived with your hardwood for years, and it’s time for something new. A new species. A warmer tone. Or wider planks.

Changing out your hardwood flooring is the perfect way to transform your home.

How can we help you with your flooring?

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Is Your Subfloor Made From The Right Materials?

Shopping for new flooring can be an overwhelming process. Enter a flooring store, and you’ll walk into thousands of choices. Even after you select material, color, pattern, and style choices can leave you thinking and comparing for days.

But once you make a decision, flooring associates will dive in deeper into material selections. It’s not just what flooring you choose that determines longevity. Your subfloor materials impact lifespan too.

Subflooring? Do you really need to understand subfloor materials? There are many advantages to selecting the right subflooring. Choose wisely, and it can improve energy efficiency, make your living space more comfortable, and make your flooring choice look better, longer.

So what do you need to know about subfloor materials before you start shopping for flooring?

Your flooring is multi layer

When you walk across the floor, you tend to focus on the top layer – the layer you can see and feel. But there are one or two other layers as well.

Many flooring choices need an underlayment. Underlayment is put into place to provide a sturdy, durable layer for your flooring to sit on. Underlayment can be made of many different materials, but the goal is to provide added support for your flooring.

The subfloor lies beneath the underlayment. A subfloor is the foundation of the entire flooring structure. It’s secured to the baseboard joists to provide structure to your flooring. Subfloors are usually made from plywood, particleboard, or oriented strand board (OSB).

Though the different types of subfloors are often treated similarly in building, they are quite different. Plywood is made from thin strips of wood veneer, layered at 90-degree angles, glued, and hot pressed together. Particleboard is composed of small wood particles that are glued and pressed together, and formed into sheets. OSB consists of 3 to 4-inch strands of wood layered and configured into a cross pattern, then glued and pressed together.

Is Your Subfloor Made From The Right Materials?OSB is the newest entry to the market, and has a lot of benefits, depending on what flooring material you are using.

OSB is considered to be more structurally sound as it uses smaller strands of wood than plywood. Because plywood is pressed sheets of wood veneer, if any one sheet is weak or compromised, it can leave a soft spot in the flooring. OSB creates a denser product because of the smaller strips of wood.

OSB is better at warding off moisture. Once wet, plywood does a better job at drying out. This makes OSB weaker at the edges, where moisture has a better chance of seeping through.

OSB often costs less than plywood because of its method of construction. Because plywood depends on larger pieces of wood, it can fluctuate in price depending on the wood market.

Concrete subfloor is also an option in some cases. Tile and stone flooring can be installed directly over concrete, but most other flooring materials require some kind of underlayment, as well as a waterproof barrier for added protection.

Ensuring is subfloor is the right thickness

Depending on what material is used for the subfloor, ensure the proper thickness for the right support for your flooring choice.

The minimum suggested thickness for plywood is about ⅝ inch. OSB won’t hold fasteners as well as plywood, so it’s recommended to increase the thickness level to ensure a quality subfloor. These are minimum suggestions. When making a final decision, it’s important to consider the flooring materials selected to provide the proper support.

Joists are the horizontal structure beams used to frame in the open space beneath the floor. They serve to provide the stiffness and structural support that lies just beneath the subfloor material. The farther apart these supports are, the greater thickness needed in the subfloor material to ensure a durable floor.

For example, if the joists are 16 inches or closer, the contractor may have installed a ½ inch plywood subfloor. This will handle well with many different flooring options. In an older home where the joists are farther apart, using a thicker plywood of ⅞ or more may be required for the same stability.

The stiffness of the subfloor also matters. While you might have more wiggle room when laying carpet into place, tile and wood planks need a flat surface to ensure a smooth, even flooring once everything is laid into place.

Selecting flooring material thickness will also provide an R-value, or insulating qualities for your home’s comfort level. R-value is the ability to keep heat from escaping through the floor in the winter, while preventing it from seeping up into the home during the summer. A thick, wool carpet would have high R-value, while a thin laminate would have lower R-value.

This also applies to subflooring. Plywood has a lower R-value than OSB because of the way the subfloor is structured during production. While you can often get by with a thinner subfloor, it may make sense to increase the thickness for more warmth and protection to ensure insulation qualities.

Select the right subfloor material for your needs

It’s easy to ignore what’s underneath your flooring choice, and let contractors install the cheapest option out there. But that may not be the best choice to keep your home safe and comfortable.

With a basic understanding of subfloor materials and how they contribute to better insulating your home, you can take the next step in ensuring you select the right flooring materials for your home. An experienced flooring associate can help you select the right floors for your personality and living space. With that step chosen, you can make a more informed decision about what goes underneath – and helps with both structure and insulation of your home.

Whether you know exactly what you want for your home remodel, or aren’t quite sure about how to change things up, we have a wide variety of options that will make perfect additions to your home.

Stop by or give us a call. We can help you select the right floors, and the right subfloor material, for your needs.

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The Only Guide You’ll Need To Select Carpet For Stairs

According to the National Safety Council:

  • Over 1 million injuries occur each year as a direct result of falling down the stairs
  • Falling down stairways or staircases is the second leading cause of injury, just behind motor vehicle accidents
  • Over 12,000 deaths occur from accidentally falling down the stairs

If you have a two-story or multi-level home, stairs are a part of your normal routine. If the stairs are covered with the wrong material, they may be slippery and dangerous. If carpet is worn, they could be tripping hazards putting you at greater risk.

When was the last time you took a long, hard look at your stairs? Is it time to make them safer?

Start with material

The reason many people leave stairs carpeted is that it’s one of the safest materials for staircases. If you get the right carpet, it can provide safety and reduce slippage, while looking great at the same time.

Stairs are synonymous with high traffic. How many times do you go up and down each day? Multiply that by every member of your family. That makes the carpet you add to your stairs. That makes it even more important to focus on material, and ensure you select a fiber that can stand the test of time.

Carpets come in many materials. Synthetic is one of the most popular choices, and offers many benefits for covering staircases. This includes nylon, polyester, triexta, olefin, and more. Of these, nylon is a top choice to increase safety, stain resistance, and durability on stairs.

The Only Guide You’ll Need To Select Carpet For StairsWant something more natural? Wool is always a good choice anywhere in your home, including the stairs. If you want the best of both worlds, consider a blended carpet for the stairs, one with both wool and synthetic to give durability and resilience.

Pay attention to how the carpet is made

Carpet is constructed in one of two ways: bulked continuous filament (BCF) and staple.

When you look at cut pile and loop carpets like Berber, you’re looking at BCF construction, which means an entire section of carpet is woven from one long piece of fiber. It offers more versatility because the fibers will be tighter, won’t shed, and will be more durable over time.

To make stairs safe, choose a low pile – ¾ inch or less to ensure resilience and stable grounding underfoot. It will also stand the test of time with high traffic moving up and down several times a day.

A synthetic plush style with twisted or cut pile is always a good bet. Depending on your family, Berber is also a good choice, though the short loops can be a problem with pets if they catch their nails as they travel up and down.

Rather than relying on sight alone for the height of the fiber, pay attention to the carpet density rating. This tells you the fiber thickness and how tightly the strands are woven together. Face weight will tell you the amount of fiber in ounces per square yard. In most cases, a higher face weight will give you a better quality carpet, all other things being equal. Look for a 35 ounce face weight or higher combined with a lower pile height.

You should also pay attention to the number of tufted rows per inch, which tells you how compact the pile is. The higher the number the better, which signals the carpet will handle well in high traffic situations.

Tuft twist ratings give you how many times fiber twists are in a one-inch length of carpeting. High fiber twists hold its shape longer, so select one with a five or higher rating.

When you have a good piece of carpet, select color for even more durability 

Homeowners often start by selecting color first. We recommend starting with quality, and following up with color choice. Because when you have a high quality fiber and construction, selecting the right color further enhances how well it will handle once it’s installed on your staircase.

While you may love neutral creams and beiges for the rest of your house, for a staircase, it won’t do. With high foot traffic every day, light colors will show wear quickly no matter how well you care for them.

Staying neutral is a good choice, but move to medium tones like taupe or coffee. This may be the time to look at blends of several colors to further camouflage dirt and high wear marks.

Have hardwood throughout your home and not sure about carpet on the stairs? How about a stair runner? These highly durable carpets can add durability and safety to your staircases without taking away looks. Plus, with the color choices, you can add a pop of color to your interior, bringing out your personality in any way you choose.

It’s not just about the carpet

While it’s easy to get caught up in the color and style, there’s another part of carpet selection that’s equally important to the process – choosing the right padding. What’s underneath the carpet will enhance durability and longevity as much as selecting the right carpet in the first place.

While we’re happy to help you select the right padding for your needs, be aware that for stairs, a thin, firm carpet pad will handle better than a thick, spongy one. You won’t feel the softness or bounce you do when you lay carpet into a bedroom, for instance, but it will handle better over time. Your goal is to create a stable surface that makes it safe to go up and down at all hours of the day.

Experts state that for stairs, ⅜ inch thickness should be maximum, with an 8 pound density to compliment the low profile carpet you install on the stairs. Choose a high grade – this is going to be one of the highest wear areas in your home. You can also follow manufacturer’s guidelines for the carpet you select, which usually makes recommendations for the perfect pad to use in different situations.

You can also focus on warranties. Look beyond the large numbers you see attached to the front of the samples. A manufacturer may promise a 25 year warranty, but what does that really cover? In some cases, they only cover defects for the full time period, and won’t cover normal wear and tear. Ensure you select a carpet that will leave you covered at least for the first few years you have your carpet installed.

Are you in the process of selecting carpet for the stairs? What’s the right choice for your needs?

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Read This Before You Say YES To Floating Tile

It’s hard to deny the look and functionality of a tile floor. Tile floors can be a beautiful addition to any room in your home.

But if you’ve ever had a tile floor, you understand that they aren’t a DIY flooring choice.

Traditional tile must be laid into place using mortar across the subfloor. A thin layer of mortar is dragged across the underlayment using a trowel. If done correctly, it leaves a thin layer of mortar for the tile to be securely laid into place. The mortar adheres the tile into place, while filling in any cavities between the subfloor and the tile. When dried and finished, it creates a hard surface area that can last for years.

It may work well, but there’s an art form to getting it right. DIYers may try it, but if you get it wrong, you can leave pockets of air, or uneven surface areas that can put the tile at risk for cracking and shifting.

And that means replacing it sooner than you’d like.

That’s why floating tile stands out as an improvement over traditional tile.

Floating tile requires no mortar. Instead, tiles are pre-attached to durable rubberized track bases that interlock with one another. This simplifies the installation process as there’s no need to ready the subfloor and smooth mortar into place. Once the tiles are interlocked, it creates a uniform grout line across the entire floor.

These tiles are referred to as floating tiles because they do not attach to the subfloor. They “float” over the subfloor and create a smooth flooring that looks and functions well when installed correctly.

When traditional tile is laid into place, the installer must space the tile evenly, following up with grout lines to further hold the tile in place. Cross-shaped tile spacers can help an installer create properly sized seams. These spacers are later removed as the grout is sealed into place.

With floating tiles, these spacers are already a part of the product, creating the plastic trays used to snap the tiles together and into place. The teeth snap together to create a perfect spacing between each tile.

Think floating tile may be the perfect choice for your home?

Pros and cons of floating tile floors

Read This Before You Say YES To Floating TileLike every type of flooring, there has been advancement in the industry to create the product line you’ll find in the market today. When floating tile was first introduced, many products cracked easily and separated from the bases to leave a disaster wherever it was installed. Manufacturers took what they learned, when back to the drawing board, and created a product that functions well today.

Pros

  • You won’t have to mix and use mortar – one of the most difficult things about laying tile.
  • You’ll have perfectly even spacing between tiles – the grout lines will be an asset to the flooring.
  • Floating tile can be laid into place over a variety of subfloors, including concrete or existing products like vinyl or linoleum. As long as the floor is level, floating tile can be forgiving.
  • You’ll never have a tripping hazard. If tile laid in the traditional manner isn’t put into place properly, the top edges may not always be level. The click and lock technology assures tiles are always level.

Cons

  • Because floating tile is a small subsection of the tile market, you won’t find the color or pattern choices in abundance like traditional tile. If you have a specific design in mind, you might not be able to create it using floating tiles.
  • Installation does require cutting the plastic backer when you fit the floating tile into place. It’s important to have the right tools for the job before starting.
  • Floating tile uses a standard grout seam. You won’t be able to have wider or thinner seams.
  • Floating tile is more expensive than many traditional tile choices.

Is floating tile installation for you?

What gives floating tile its edge over other products comes from its ease of installation. Some studies say floating tile can be installed as much as 75 percent faster than traditional tile.

The key to a successful installation process is ensuring your subfloor is in great shape. Floating tile hovers above the subfloor, but if the subfloor isn’t even, has bumps or imperfections, it can impact the wearability of your floor over time.

If you’re using floating tile as a DIY project, ensure you understand the job before beginning.

  • Be sure to remove molding before installing so you can create a finished look once the tiles are installed.
  • Establish your laying pattern before you begin. You can use a chalk line snapped to the center of the room as your starting line, or start with the longest wall away from the door. Be aware of where you’ll need to make cuts to the tile, and how it will look when completed.
  • Have the proper tools on hand. You will need to cut tiles to fit them into place. Don’t attempt it with the wrong saw.
  • Follow manufacturer’s guidelines and use products they recommend to complete the job.
  • Seal gaps along the edges with a finishing flooring caulk.

Maintain floating tile according to manufacturer’s guidelines

While tile is one of the easiest flooring choices to maintain, it’s important to consider the product’s guidelines as you establish your weekly routine.

Cleaning spills quickly will always ensure best results. Ensure you do so with a mild floor cleaner designed for your flooring product.

Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris.

Mop when needed using an approved floor cleaner. Don’t just pick one up at your favorite big box store, as many of the chemical cleaners on the market today can do more harm than good. Be sure it’s gentle and won’t stain your floors. Avoid steam mops as they may damage grout lines and seep between tiles.

Is floating tile right for you?

If you would like to explore all of your flooring options, stop by today and see our complete line of floating tile.

Whether you’re looking for a DIY project, or want full service, we can help you select the right flooring for your home.

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Sisal or Jute, Which Rug Is Best For You?

When you decide to accent your home with a new rug, you have a lot of choices.

  • How big or how small?
  • Do you prefer bright colors or natural tones?
  • What type of fiber do you prefer?
  • Is eco-friendly important?

Stylish is a given. You want it to blend in with the rest of your decor, and showcase your individual personality.

For many homeowners looking for all that and more, they narrow their decision down to a sisal or jute rug. Natural rugs are growing in popularity because of all they have to offer. If you want green living, sisal or jute make good additions. They’re affordable, stylish, and provide neutral, earth-tone fibers that match decor in any room.

But if you’ve settled on sisal or jute, and aren’t sure which to select, we have a little advice for you. Either will make a great addition to any room, but each has its own list of pros and cons. Here’s our advice on each.

What is sisal?

Sisal is harvested from the Agave plant. While it is native to Mexico, because of its popularity, it can be harvested from many different countries around the world. Tanzania is one of the leading exporters of the Agave plant, and its fibers are used to make a variety of products, including:

  • Twine
  • Rope
  • Macrame
  • Baskets
  • Mats
  • Even mattresses and handbags

And of course, it’s a versatile fiber that can be used to create rugs.

Sisal began making its way into homes in the 1980s, and the design trend has continued ever since. Part of its appeal is it can be used in a casual way in the places you spend a lot of time, or change out the decor, and it instantly takes on a more sophisticated feel.

Sisal is a stiff fiber that is spun into a yarn-like fiber. Alone it has a natural white hue that makes it perfect for dying any color. It is one of the strongest fibers available, which makes it an ideal choice for high traffic areas such as hallways or entryways.

Sisal can be used alone, or combined with other fibers such as wool, to create a stunning appearance that works on both visual and functional levels. You’ll love the softness and durability if you move towards a sisal rug.

What is jute?

Jute is created from jute plants, with several different botanical varieties for different types of fiber. While cotton may be the most produced plant-based fiber, jute runs a close second. Jute creates a variety of everyday products, from burlap, bags, ropes, and canvas, to carpet, rugs, sweaters, and more. You’ll find jute out in the open and on display as often as you’ll find it in packing and agricultural uses.

If you want natural fibers, you’ll never go wrong with jute.

Like sisal, jute entered homes back when moving towards natural, earth-friendly designs became fashionable. India is currently the largest producer of jute rugs, with Bangladesh being a close second. In addition to being multipurpose, perfect for many different rooms in your home, they are also completely biodegradable, making their entire lifespan eco-friendly.

While sisal creates a stiff fiber, jute is on the other end as one of the softest fibers. It has a natural brown hue that also takes well to being dyed, yet you’ll find it just as often left in its natural shade. Although it’s soft to the touch, it’s still durable material. It looks great in a variety of places throughout your home, and can handle light traffic well.

Pros for using a sisal or jute rug in your home

As you learned more about both sisal and jute rugs, you may be gravitating towards one or the other. Here are some additional things to consider as you’re finalizing your choice.

When it comes to placing a natural fiber rug in your home, both sisal and jute can’t be beat. Sisal often in higher traffic areas, while jute makes a great addition to the lower traffic rooms in your home.

One of the biggest reasons people select sisal or jute is due to cost. Both are budget-friendly and give you the opportunity to change out your rugs on a frequent basis.

Because both sisal and jute are plant-based fibers, they are non-toxic and are a good choice if anyone in your home suffers from allergies or asthma.

Sisal and jute are both considered green products, which means they are earth-friendly from beginning to end. When you’re through using your rug, they are biodegradable and will not live for an eternity in a landfill.

Because of their weaves, sisal and jute are both relatively low maintenance. Regular vacuuming is recommended to keep dirt away from the fibers. They are both considered to be natural dehumidifiers as each fiber is naturally absorbent. This can help keep your home cool on the hottest days of the year.

Cons for using a sisal or jute rug in your home

While sisal and jute have a wide array of advantages, because they are natural fibers, they also have a few disadvantages.

Because they are good at soaking up moisture, they don’t make a good choice for bathrooms or laundry rooms. You should never wash or steam either rug because added moisture can make them prone to mildew or mold.

While the fibers are sturdy enough for both indoor and outdoor use, you should place them in covered areas when used outside. They should never be allowed to soak when there’s rain in the forecast, or if your sprinkler system gets the flooring wet.

Neither sisal nor jute is known for its soft, cozy feel. If you combine sisal with another fiber such as wool, it will improve the softness.

Both sisal and jute have many similarities. When it comes to making your final decision, many often do so by looks. Consider your choices and lay them next to one another. Natural fiber rugs hold up well in many situations. So choose based on your preferences and what style will blend well with your personality. Whichever you choose, you’ll love the effect.

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4 Reasons Luxury Vinyl Will Be Your Flooring of Choice

Luxury vinyl is one of the hottest trends in flooring right now. Yet when you hear the term, it might bring back flashbacks of what your parents or grandparents had in their homes. What could possibly be luxurious about vinyl?

Well, today’s luxury vinyl is nothing like you remember from a few decades ago.

Where vinyl flooring started

While vinyl itself wasn’t used as a flooring until the 1930s, the substance was developed in the late 1800s. Chemist Eugen Baumann developed Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) in Germany in 1872. In 1913, Friedrich Klatte found a way of getting the substance to polymerize, and received a patent on the process.

In 1926, vinyl was developed by accident. Scientist Waldo Lonsbury Semon was trying to create an adhesive to bond to rubber, when he transformed the once rigid vinyl into a more gelatinous substance. Semon received patents as well, and the product was quickly used in many different products, from golf balls to heels of shoes.

It wasn’t until 1933 when the first vinyl tile was presented at a Century of Progress Exposition in Chicago. And the rest, as they say, is history. Shortages of materials during WWII made experimentation with the product even greater. With a lack of rubber, vinyl became one of the leading materials to create a wide array of products.

Vinyl continued advancement into the 1980s, when asbestos was added for strength. It was removed from production after years of research when it was discovered asbestos was cancer-causing.

Today’s luxury vinyl flooring may have roots from the original vinyl developed years ago, but it is distinctly a different product.

Today’s luxury vinyl flooring

4 Reasons Luxury Vinyl Will Be Your Flooring of ChoiceToday you’ll find both luxury vinyl tile and luxury vinyl planks, commonly referred to as LVT and LVP. These products are waterproof, easy to maintain, and easy to install. They can take on a variety of looks, mimicking some of the most loved flooring options in the world, including hardwood and tile.

Both LVT and LVP are made with synthetic materials formed by melting polyvinyl chloride resins with white pigments, calcium carbonate, plasticizers, fungicides, and UV stabilizers. They are combined using heat and pressure, before adding a backing layer to bring it all together. Luxury vinyl typically has four main layers:

Wear layer – a transparent top coating that protects the floor

Decorative image – this gives it its realistic appearance

Vinyl core – the PVC material that gives it its flexibility and makes it 100 percent waterproof

Backing layer – the finishing layer that helps prevent mold and mildew

Why luxury vinyl flooring makes a great addition to your home

Today’s luxury vinyl is being added to homes across the Front Range.

LVP was developed to give your floors the appearance of authentic hardwood floors. It’s realistic enough to make experts take a second glance. It improves on hardwood by being more durable, 100 percent waterproof, stain-resistant, and durable enough to handle all your family can dish out.

LVT consists of individual squares of various sizes that give you the look of stone tile. Using LVT is easier than handling real stone tiles, and it provides the durability of using vinyl rather than stone.

What’s making both LVP and LVT so popular?

Luxury vinyl flooring looks incredibly realistic

Both LVP and LVT are synthetic and completely fabricated, they look real enough to make anyone who enters your home take a second glance. As you’re installing the planks or tiles, you can see the various levels of construction. But once it’s laid into place, it produces a flooring that handles as well as it looks.

Using modern technology, the design layer consists of photographic images taken of different hardwood products. Want hickory flooring with its distinctive dark wood look? LVP handles it well. Prefer a light oak wood or a whitewash as light as possible? You’ll find that too. In fact, LVP makes it possible to get colors and shades more difficult with actual hardwood. The unique plastic coating over the top seals the look, and adds depth through embossing and other finishes.

Luxury vinyl flooring is water resistant or waterproof

This is one of the leading attractors to the product. If you’ve ever been nervous about installing hardwood in places where moisture might be a problem, you’re going to love luxury vinyl flooring.

Since LVP and LVT are made of vinyl layers, it’s extremely water resistant. Some products on the market today go the extra mile, with certain luxury vinyl products being 100 percent waterproof – talk with a sales associate about the difference. If you’ve ever worried about the flooring you select in a bathroom, laundry room, or basement, you’re going to love luxury vinyl.

But LVP and LVT aren’t just for rooms prone to moisture. You’ll love the look enough to use luxury vinyl throughout your home. And if you have an active household, it’ll make cleanup and maintenance a breeze.

Luxury vinyl flooring is low maintenance

What makes luxury vinyl waterproof also makes it low maintenance. The protective layer makes it easy to keep clean, with just an occasional swipe of a mop with water and a mild detergent. No more worrying about cleanup if the kids (or you) spill more of dinner than they actually consume.

The durable wear layer also makes it slip resistant, quiet when you walk on it, and warm to the touch. If you want a flooring with a little more give, LVP and LVT is the choice for you. It can be the perfect choice for homes with small kids, or with adults with mobility issues where falling is at increased risk.

Luxury vinyl flooring is easy to install

Looking for a DIY project? Both LVP and LVT are an ideal flooring option for people wanting a hand in home renovation. LVP and LVT come either in glue-down or click-together product lines. The click-together is easy to install, and the flexibility of the product makes it easy to cut to fit along edges or in corners.

But don’t worry about installation if it’s not your thing. It can be easily installed by one of our professional installers, and you won’t have to wait days while the hardwood settles in your home’s environment. Installers can be in and out in a day, depending on the size of your project.

Yes, I want luxury vinyl flooring

What’s not to love about luxury vinyl flooring?

If you think it’s the perfect choice for your product, why not visit us today to find the ideal product for your needs. With different sizes, styles, colors, and patterns, there’s a lot for you to choose from. We’ll help you find the right product for your home. 

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Why Fall May Be The Perfect Time To Evaluate and Replace Your Flooring

September is a wonderful time of year here across the Front Range. The kids are back in school. The afternoons are still warm enough to enjoy being outside, while the evenings cool down to a comfortable level. You might enjoy being outside, but it’s also a great time to start looking around and planning your indoor projects for the colder winter months.

Fall is also the perfect time to replace your flooring.

Flooring takes a beating all year long. As you start to move back inside, take a look around. Do carpets look stained and worn? Is hardwood dull and scratched? Are tiles chipped and broken? Now maybe the perfect time for an upgrade.

What fall weather brings out in your flooring

While fall may be one of the most beautiful times of the year here in Colorado, it can also be one of the most destructive for your floors. Days may stay warm, but the nights cool down. It’s not uncommon to run the air conditioner during the day, and have the furnace turn on in the wee hours of the morning. This can drastically change the air within your home,

Hardwood contracts and expands depending on the amount of humidity in the room. With both the air and heat working, you may see more gaping between each individual board. While your home should remain consistent somewhere around 70 degrees, the increased heat and moisture can cause potential warping and buckling problems if you’re not careful. As rain turns to snow, you’re also more likely to track in water, which can impact hardwood. Be sure to pull out rugs to help combat this problem, or consider making your home a shoe-free zone.

Why Fall May Be The Perfect Time To Evaluate and Replace Your FlooringSummer is a great time to run barefoot through the grass. If your kids and pets took full advantage of it, you may notice muddy trails ground into your carpet. These stubborn stains are hard to get out in the best of conditions. Now that it’s ground in dirt, it may be impossible. While this is a perfect time for cleaning your carpet, it may be a time when you realize even carpet cleaning isn’t enough. What you really need is new flooring.

Tile can also become a problem over time. Light tile might be easily stained if it’s a porous material. Light grout may also be stained. Dropping heavy pans can crack tile if it’s not properly installed. And because tile comes in an almost unlimited supply of colors and patterns, you might be distracted from something you installed even just a few years before. After the year we’ve had, if you’re trying to create an entirely new look and feel in your home, your current tile might not be the right solution for your floors.

Replace your flooring this fall and enjoy the look you create as we start spending more time indoors.

Fall flooring trends – choosing what’s right for your home

Whether you shop at a local big box store, or head into a specialized store, you’re likely to see current trends impact the products you buy.

Every year, Pantone chooses a color of the year. This guides everything from fashion to home furnishings. Here in 2021, the colors are Ultimate Gray and Illuminating, a bright and cheery yellow. The executive director of the Pantone Color Institute states that “this is a color combination that gives us resilience and hope.” Maybe that’s why we’re seeing the impact of these colors throughout our favorite stores as we shop for new things.

You’ll also find the impact of these colors when you look at flooring.

Lighter colors

While dark flooring has been popular for years, you’ll notice now that a lot of options are leaning towards lighter colors. In hardwood and luxury vinyl, you’ll see more options in blonde and whitewash. Natural finishes are definitely all the rage.

With an increase in working and staying at home, people are once again opting for open floor plans. Hard surfaces give a more airy and light-hearted appearance when they are lighter, more natural in color.

Lighter floors also bring timelessness to the table. If you select a light color, they open up decor options in many ways. From rustic, contemporary, country, or traditional, you’ll achieve any look you desire by making a lighter, more natural flooring as your base.

Patterns

Patterns don’t have to be wild and busy. Instead, it can create a natural flow no matter what material you select for your floors.

A patterned carpet works well in a busy household. Ceramic tile in distinct shapes can be laid into place in many ways. Or how about combining two different products – wood and tile to create intricate patterns that set your room apart from traditional.

While your personality can run wild with today’s choices, there are a few guidelines to consider. Bold patterns work well in smaller spaces like bathrooms, more subtle patterns are often better for large or open spaces. With hardwood, you can create exciting looks through installation techniques – how about herringbone, chevron, checkerboard, or whatever you find as you’re planning out your new design.

Rustic

Rustic no longer means a log cabin in the middle of nowhere. You only have to head up into the Rocky Mountains to discover rustic has taken a  turn towards mountain modern.

But you can still install that mountain feel into your overall design. Hardwood is still a beloved material of choice in many home designs.

Rustic combines the new with the old. It creates a timeless look in new ways. How about distressed wood? Or using barn wood materials in certain spaces?

Rustic doesn’t have to be synonymous with hardwood. In fact, you might just find what you’re looking for in ceramic tile of luxury vinyl. It’s a great way to bring out a mountain modern look in every room of your home. And you won’t have to worry about the impact of hardwood in places like bathrooms or the basement.

What’s your look?

What are you trying to create?

Whatever your design preferences are, replace your flooring this fall, and you’ll love what you’ve created for years to come.

We’re here to help. Stop by today.

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Nylon or Polyester Carpet – Which Is Best For Your Home

Choosing new flooring for your home is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Choose the wrong material, and you’ll regret it shortly after installation.

But unlike other home purchases, flooring isn’t something you can replace easily. It’s expensive. It’s difficult to do – moving your furniture once is hard enough. Twice? You’ll definitely think twice before agreeing to that move.

If you’ve made the decision to replace existing flooring with carpet, you’re going to love the results. Carpet still is the most popular flooring choice, with nearly fifty percent of all sales in the flooring industry in the carpet niche. But even once you decide on carpet, you have more decisions to make. Because what carpet material you choose will determine how well it handles over time.

Two of the most common carpet materials are nylon and polyester. Want to know which is the right choice for you?

Nylon carpet

Nylon is the most popular synthetic fiber used in the carpet industry today. Nearly half of all carpet sold is created using nylon. It’s wildly popular in residential settings, and crosses over into commercial settings too.

Why do people love nylon? After generations of improvements, nylon is one of the most durable, easy to care for carpet materials you can select. Because of its popularity, it also comes in many designs, patterns, and colors. No matter what you have in mind for your flooring design, you’ll find it with nylon carpet.

Nylon is also one of the most wear-resistant plastics available. That means it’s great in high traffic areas, and won’t show wear and tear like other carpet choices.

Want stain resistance? Because of nylon’s popularity, it’s also where manufacturers have focused on creating the greatest technology to fight stains. Nylon carpet can help fight off all your family can dish out. Just be aware that nylon is still made of fibers, and certain products can and will penetrate into the fibers, staining over time. Kool-Aid, sodas, wine, tea, coffee – all of these may stain your carpet permanently. The faster you clean up the mess, the greater chance you have of making it disappear. Once it settles in, it may be there for life.

Fortunately, manufacturers of nylon carpet apply a variety of protectors to make the fibers more stain-resistant and able to fight off tough dirt and grime. Depending on the carpet, you may have to apply additional protectors over time.

Polyester carpet

Nylon or Polyester Carpet - Which Is Best For Your HomeCurrently, polyester carpet makes up about 25 percent of the carpet market. It’s come a long way since it was first introduced into the marketplace.

While polyester is considered to be slightly less durable than nylon, it’s come a long way since being introduced. Depending on the situation, polyester can be a good choice for your home.

Traditionally, polyester was the softest choice to the touch. If you want a luxurious feel, you can’t beat polyester. Nylon has made some catchup in this department, but go with polyester if softness is your focus.

Polyester is also considered to be more environmentally friendly. But there’s a caveat to that.

Polyester is made from corn, or from recycled materials such as plastic bottles. That makes it seem like polyester is the logical choice if you care about the environment. But to be truly eco-friendly, you also have to consider lifespan. And nylon is easier recycled at the end of life than its counterpart polyester. The choice is yours; you can speak to a flooring representative to learn more about each product before you buy.

Maybe one of the greatest reasons homeowners lean towards polyester is the cost. In most cases, you’ll find your biggest bargains in polyester carpet. If you’re looking to upgrade a room for a short time frame – maybe for selling your home – polyester may be the way to go. If you’re upgrading a rental, polyester can make a fantastic choice.

Polyester carpet is typically dyed to create different colors and patterns. Polyester uses a solution dyeing method that is quite stain-resistant. Polyester fibers are also hydrophobic, meaning it’ll be good at repelling liquid as well. Like nylon, polyester is further treated with stain resisting protectors, making it suitable for a variety of commercial applications.

Still confused on which makes the better choice for your situation? Let’s look at the pros and cons in a straightforward way.

Nylon carpet

Pros:

  • It’s perfectly suited for high traffic areas
  • It has high stain resistant qualities
  • It’s easy to clean
  • It’s pet friendly
  • It’s easy to maintain
  • It fights mildew and mold
  • It fights allergic reactions

Cons:

  • It’s the most expensive synthetic carpet on the market
  • It will produce static electricity
  • It’s not as soft as other carpets

Polyester carpet

Pros:

  • It’s one of the most economical fibers on the market
  • It has low static electricity
  • It’s considered more eco-friendly than other options
  • It has a soft, luxurious texture
  • It absorbs less water
  • It’s resistant to biological growth
  • It’s pet friendly

Cons:

  • It’s not as stain-resistant to oily spills
  • It’s sensitive to direct sunlight, and will fade over time

What’s the best choice for you?

Ultimately, flooring is all about giving you a base that best suits your needs.

Both nylon and polyester are synthetic fibers that make good additions to your home or commercial setting. If you’re looking for inexpensive flooring, either will suit your needs just fine.

Thinking of adding carpet to your basement? Both can be a good choice, thanks to the fact that both are resistant to water. However, if you do place carpet in the basement, spend time considering moisture barrier padding too. Talk to a flooring representative for more information.

Both nylon and polyester carpet can make a great addition to your home. It’s about choosing the right product to suit your needs.

What other questions do you have about choosing carpet for your home?

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The Only Guide You’ll Need For Buying and Caring For a Rug

Homeowners love hardwood floors. Here in North America, the wood flooring market is a multi-billion dollar market, growing every year.

Resilient flooring is growing by leaps and bounds, rising over 21 percent this past year because of its ease and flexibility of use.

Ceramic tile comes in as the third-largest flooring sector.

What do all of these flooring categories have in common? A hard surface area that makes cleaning, maintenance, and functionality a snap.

Yet what gives them durability is also something that can be a challenge as well. It’s hard to lay on a ceramic tile floor to play a game. Or for the kids to play with their toys on hardwood.

For that, many homeowners turn to rugs. They add warmth to any room. They allow your personality to shine through.

Is buying a new rug in your future? Choose wisely, and caring for your new rug will be a breeze.

Where to start – Look for rug color and design

As a homeowner, your first thought when selecting something new for the home moves to color and design. It’s only natural. Why look at rugs with orange and red when what you really want is green and blue? If a round rug suits your needs, it makes it easy to bypass the rectangular rugs vying for your attention.

Yet even with the basics in mind, selecting rug color and design can be a daunting process.

The Only Guide You’ll Need For Buying and Caring For a RugWe recommend choosing rug color similarly to selecting furniture and paint color. Darker colors tend to make a room look smaller and cozier, while lighter colors open the space up. If you have neutral furniture, bringing in patterns and bright colors with a rug can add pizzazz. Go neutral if you want a calm, relaxing space.

Think about where your emphasis will be. The brighter colors or wilder patterns you choose will naturally bring the eye down to the floor. If you stay neutral, the eye will move to furniture, wall coverings, or other designs you use in your room.

Rug size

In addition to color and pattern, the size of your rug will also play a big part in the overall look and feel of the room. Before you shop, carefully measure your space. Designers recommend that you should leave at least 18 inches of flooring exposed beyond the rug size. While this rule works well in standard size rooms, you can use your own judgment based on the room size and your desires.

When in doubt, err on the side of bigger. Undersized rugs often leave a room feeling disconnected. As a general guideline:

  • In living spaces, area rugs are often centered underneath coffee tables, with at least the front legs of furniture placed on the rug.
  • In dining spaces, add at least 3 feet in width from the table to ensure chairs are never on an uneven surface.
  • In bedrooms, rugs should be large enough for feet to land on when you get out of bed in the morning.

How rugs are made

If you want a rug to last for years, pay attention to how the rug is made. The weave used to make the rug, as well as what fibers are used in the process, will determine the durability of your rug.

Hand-knotted rugs – this is top of the line rug construction. While it’s highly durable, it also will be at the top of affordability. Many hand-knotted rugs are created by artists, designed to last for generations.

Hand-tufted and hand-hooked rugs – are a more affordable alternative to hand-knotted rugs. Hand-tufted has a cut pile, while hand-hooked has a looped pile. They are manufactured in similar ways.

Power-loomed – you’ll find these to be the most economical rugs on the market, using fibers like polyester and nylon for ease of use. You can expect these to last anywhere from three to ten years.

Flatweave – these rugs won’t have a base material, and instead are designed to be reversible, allowing you to use both sides. They’re often braided or woven, and can be cleaned easily.

Rug fibers

Rugs are made from a variety of different fibers. Many are created using synthetic fibers for both cleanability and durability. Want an eco-friendly option? There are natural fibers that fit the bill.

Acrylic – a durable plastic fiber that is mildew resistant and works well in bathrooms.

Bamboo – offers a natural choice that is commonly used in entryways or as hallway runners.

Cotton – it’s one of the most common fibers around, which is why it makes a great addition to a rug. It’s soft, easy to clean and maintain.

Jute – made from vegetable fiber, it is soft underfoot and can add texture to any room.

Nylon – offers the softness of silk without the hefty price. It’s easily cleaned and has high durability, making it the perfect choice for any room in your home.

Olefin – it’s a fiber similar to polypropylene, and is highly durable and easy to maintain.

Polypropylene – a synthetic plastic fiber that’s both durable and fade-resistant. It’s often used for both indoor and outdoor rugs because of its water-resistant qualities.

Silk – a luxurious fiber most often used in hand-knotted rugs, these delicate rugs should be tucked away in low traffic areas such as the bedroom.

Wool – the most commonly used natural fiber used in rugs. It’s durable, soft, hypoallergenic, and naturally stain-resistant.

Caring for your rug

We tend to develop patterns in our daily routines. You sit in the same chairs. Walk in the same direction. That can cause wear marks on your rug, so it’s a good idea to rotate your rug 180 degrees at least once per year.

Read the label and follow manufacturers’ guidelines to keep your rug looking well. They will define cleaning recommendations, and give you various ways to care for it.

When you spot clean, use suggested products to ensure it doesn’t impact the color of your rug. Blot the stain, never rub. Repeat until the stain disappears.

Vacuuming regularly should be all that’s required to keep your rug looking its best.

Ready to select a rug for your home? Stop by today, and see our entire selection of rugs. You’ll find the perfect one for your home.

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Can I Put Furniture On My Newly Installed Floors?

Getting new flooring is an exciting time for homeowners. You’ve waited months – years – to select the right flooring material. And now that the big day is here, you can’t wait for the results.

Once they’re installed, it’s life as usual. You can put your furniture back into place, and start living with your new floors.

Or can you?

Can you put your heavy wood furniture back into place without a problem? What about putting your sofa and chairs down, and start living once again? That might mean the kids jumping up and down, putting pressure on the legs of the sofa. Will that hurt your new floors?

It depends on the flooring you have installed.

Carpet

Carpet continues to be a popular choice, especially in bedrooms. It may take a few hours to rip out the old and install the new. And it might be tempting to move furniture in right away and get back to living.

Can I Put Furniture On My Newly Installed Floors?While it’s important to read manufacturer’s guidelines, it’s equally important to note that for most carpet installations, it’s recommended to wait 24 hours before placing furniture back into the room.

One reason is that heavy furniture will impact the shape of your carpet. Think for a moment about how carpet is brought into your home. It’s rolled, carried in, stretched into place, and tacked and glued down. The carpet wasn’t designed for the shape of your room; instead, it melds to the shape as it’s laid into place. If the glue doesn’t dry properly, and you shift it with heavy furniture, it will end up buckled and misshapen, especially if you move your furniture once again.

The heavier the furniture, the worse it can be.

The weight of the furniture can also have an impact. With so much force pushed into tiny legs attached to your furniture, it can cause the carpet and backing to sink lower, causing the glue to spread out and mold differently. Those tiny indentions may be there for the life of the carpet if you add weight too soon.

Laminate

Laminate is in a unique position. It’s a product that looks like wood, acts like wood, but offers benefits to homeowners who want something a bit easier to handle.

In most cases, laminate is laid into place using a click and lock system. The boards actually hover over the subfloor, floating instead of being glued into place.

That gives laminate a unique feature of being able to move in the moment it’s in place. Heavy furniture won’t hurt the structure of the flooring because its “locked” feature is what gives it its strength.

Yet it is important to keep in mind that laminate does give you the look and feel of real hardwood, and with that comes the ability for scratching the surface. While you can move heavy furniture back into place soon after installation, be sure to do so with care. Consider adding felt pads underneath your furniture for maximum protection.

Luxury Vinyl Planks

Luxury vinyl planks are one of the fastest growing flooring choices. That’s because they give you the look and feel of hardwood, yet offer additional bonuses that work for some homeowners. Want easy care and easy maintenance? Luxury vinyl planks are a great choice. Want waterproof flooring? You won’t find anything better than luxury vinyl planks.

Depending on which product you choose determines how the planks will be laid into place. Some manufacturers provide a click and lock structure, while others offer a glue in place method.

How you install your luxury vinyl plank determines how quickly you can move your furniture back into place. If it’s glued down, most manufacturers will suggest waiting 48 hours to allow the glue to dry thoroughly. If it’s click and lock technology, you can move back in the same day.

Keep in mind that there are other things at play that will ultimately determine how long you should leave your floors furniture-free. Is it cold outside? It might take adhesive a bit longer to dry.

When in doubt, check manufacturer’s guidelines. They’ll give you the advice you need to make a decision about moving back into your room and start living again.

Hardwood 

Hardwood is one of the most popular flooring choices for homeowners across Colorado.

If you’ve looked at hardwood, or owned it before, you know it takes special handling to lay it into place. Hardwood should always be acclimated to your home’s climate before installation. That gives the wood a chance to settle before it’s installed.

The same applies after installation.

Like other types of flooring, it depends on how your hardwood is installed. Is it glued into place? Allow enough time for the glue to thoroughly dry before you move and shift heavy furniture into place.

Furniture can bring all sorts of problems to hardwood flooring. Small legs on sofas and chairs can be sharp, and mar hardwood before it has time to settle. It can indent into the hardwood, leaving permanent marks.

Waiting for glues and adhesives to harden and dry will ensure your hardwood stays in place. Using felt pads and furniture bumpers will ensure your floors aren’t scratched and dented as you move your furniture back into place.

Get ready for installation

No matter what type of flooring you’re planning to install, a lot of your success comes from being properly prepared.

Talk with one of our associates before installation day. They can help you better understand the process, and give you advice on how soon you can put your room back together.

Prepare your floor’s surface area as much as you can. Move furniture to another room for storage, a place you can leave the furniture until your flooring is properly acclimated.

Get manufacturer’s guidelines before you install. This will give you a better understanding of what to do throughout the installation process.

Error on the side of giving your floors more time to settle rather than less. This will give your floors a good chance to settle in, and give you great results for years to come.

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