What You Should Know About Carpet Remnants

Want to save money on carpet? Have a small space that needs carpet? Maybe your solution lies with carpet remnants.

There’s a lot of myths online about what carpet remnants truly are. Some think they are defective products. Some believe they are old, outdated, and out of style.

What carpet remnants are is leftover carpet.

Carpet comes in large rolls. When customers buy a particular carpet style, technicians take from the roll in proportion to what they need. Eventually, they come to the end of the roll, and what’s left is known as a remnant.

Because a carpet dealer doesn’t want to leave this particular style out for homeowners to consider, only to be disappointed when there isn’t enough to complete their entire job, they bring it to the back warehouse where it is sold as a carpet remnant. Carpet dealers often have a variety of remnant options, if you ask. Smaller dealers may purchase them directly from carpet manufacturers to have a selection on hand.

The pros of buying carpet remnants

What You Should Know About Carpet RemnantsIf you’re in the market for a carpet remnant, you’ll find two big advantages: cost and convenience.

Because dealers can’t sell smaller carpet pieces at full value, they discount the remnant left at a lower cost. It depends on the size of the remnant as to how low the discount will go.

You’ll also be able to shop today and bring your purchase home with you as soon as you complete the transaction. You won’t have the normal wait time associated with special orders, and you won’t have to wait for a staff member to make the final cut to your specification. It’s a great way to complete a DIY project quickly.

The cons of buying carpet remnants

The biggest disadvantage of shopping for carpet remnants is the lack of selection. If you’re looking for a specific style, fiber, color, or pattern, you’re going to have to visit a lot of locations to get what you’re looking for. Chances are you’re going to settle on something that doesn’t meet your specifications perfectly.

Even if you are flexible in what you’re looking for, you’ll still be limited to what is currently on hand. Depending on the size of your area, you’ll have to ensure the remnant fits your specifications and fits without piecing it together.

Some stores may be willing to further cut down a remnant based on your needs. Some will be willing to sell a portion of the remnant, while others may have a “take it as is” policy. Remnant shopping usually works best when you have a lot of flexibility with what you’re looking for.

Why people shop for remnants

People usually shop for remnants for one of a few reasons.

First, they are looking to put carpeting down in a place that is seldom used. They don’t care as much about durability as they do making the space presentable.

They may be looking to spruce up a small space for a short period of time. Maybe they’re moving soon. Maybe they like change and plan to change out the carpet frequently. Maybe it’s a rental property with plans of frequent turnover.

They may also be looking for a small amount of carpet. Less is better in this situation to avoid having to piece a section together.

Finally, remnant shopping can also bring out creativity. How about piecing different colors together for a unique look? Or slicing it up to make an area rug? If you’re nervous about adding color in a big way, piecing together remnants may give you what you’re looking for inexpensively.

What you may not know about remnants

If you work with a large enough dealer, they may house remnants based on their current inventory. They know precisely what roll it came from, understand all the details such as manufacturer, brand, and name. They have the label to share with the full details of the remnant you’re investing in.

Other smaller dealers buy remnants from a variety of places, and may not fully understand the details of the remnant. They can make an educated guess based on their time in the industry. But without the label, it’s just a guess. You’ll never fully understand what you’re buying, type of fibers, or the details about durability.

One of the biggest downsides to investing in a carpet remnant is the lack of warranty. Remnants are most often sold “as is.” That means you don’t receive a warranty on the product, and you’ll deal with any after installation defects on your own.

Warranty really is important if you’re concerned with longevity and having the carpet piece look good for an extended period. If you’re simply looking for a cheap carpet to cover your floor for a short period of time, the warranty may not be a breaking point. However, the more traffic the room receives, the longer you plan on leaving it in place, warranties can be an important part of the installation process.

Final tips for purchasing carpet remnants

If you shop for a carpet remnant, be sure you know exactly what you’re looking for. Measure, then measure again. In most cases, sales will be final, so it’s important to have exact measurements to select a piece that suits your needs.

You may not have a great selection, but if you’re looking for a neutral carpet to finalize the decor, or for something to “get by” for a short period of time, this might be the perfect way to add carpet into your home.

You can also find deals if you’re willing to extend your search. Have a special need? Talk directly with a flooring associate. They can watch for your specifications and let you know when additions make it into their warehouse. They often have the inside track to getting you exactly what you need, on your budget and schedule.

Is carpet remnant shopping for you?

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Carpet or Hardwood – Which Is The Better Choice For Bedrooms?

Wanting to replace the flooring throughout your home? Having trouble deciding the right flooring for each room? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. There’s an ongoing debate among homeowners as to which flooring choice is best throughout.

Living here in Colorado, you might be one of many who has jumped on the hardwood-only mindset. Coloradoans love their hardwood floors.

But does it make sense to install it throughout your home? For many people, a bedroom is their inner sanctuary, a place they retreat to for rest and relaxation. They want quiet, softness, warmth. And that’s hard to get with hardwood. Doesn’t carpet just make more sense in the bedroom settings?

Read on if you’re still in the debate.

Let’s start with hardwood

Hardwood is the flooring of choice, except for kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas where moisture is prevalent. Bedrooms are often no exception, especially if they are located right off the main living space.

And hardwood makes sense in a lot of areas in the home. The pros are hard to ignore:

Durability – hardwood is one of the most durable products on the market. When well cared for, it can last for years. And when it starts looking dull and scratched, simply sand it down and refinish it. A high quality wood floor can last for decades.

Carpet or Hardwood - Which Is The Better Choice For Bedrooms?Ease of maintenance – especially with today’s technology, the surface material on your hardwood planks makes it easier than ever to care for. Use a broom or swiffer regularly to keep dirt and other particles off the surface. Vacuum weekly. A damp mop on occasion to remove any residue or spills. That’s it!

Natural surface – hardwood is one of the most natural surfaces you can install inside your home. If you care about going green and sustainability, look no further than hardwood. That also creates a hypoallergenic surface area too which can help keep sickness at bay. If you suffer allergies or asthma symptoms, hardwood flooring can be a great choice throughout your home.

Style and functionality – no matter what design personality you have, or what decor you plan on introducing into your home, hardwood is the perfect backdrop for it all. You can select hardwood flooring in all shades and colors, making it a versatile flooring choice that ages well as we move into the future.

All good reasons for installing hardwood throughout your home. But it still doesn’t answer the question: is hardwood right for the bedrooms?

Carpet in the bedrooms

Think about your bedrooms for a moment. What is the bedroom for?

A quiet place – with living rooms, family rooms, media rooms, and more, the bedroom is now a place where we retreat to for quiet time and sleep. That means unnecessary clomping across a wood floor can create heightened awareness, even anxiety as you’re moving around. Carpet muffles the sound and absorbs the noise, while adding ambiance you just can’t get with hardwood.

Warmth – here in Colorado, the temperatures can fall rapidly. Thirty degrees, twenty, ten. Even a few below zero days can leave you shivering at night. Those one in the morning trips to the bathroom can be miserable as your toes hit cold hardwood. But with plush carpet, the softness, cushion, and fibers underneath can make it just a bit easier.

Noise reduction – young children often retreat to their bedrooms for quiet playtime. But there’s nothing quiet about it if their toys consistently bounce off the hardwood. Especially in multiple story homes, you’ll notice every clunk and ping from underneath, making you wish for softness and padding of carpet to help damper the sound.

Safety – you’re more likely to be in socks in your bedroom. You’re more likely to be half asleep and not paying attention as you move around in the middle of the night. Slippery floors can be hazardous no matter what your age. Carpet provides better grip, and also a softer landing.

Do buyers prefer carpet or hardwood in bedrooms? 

When you install new flooring throughout your home, often, it’s with the understanding that you’ll be placing it on the market soon. Then the question becomes: do home buyers prefer hardwood throughout, or do they still like carpet in the bedrooms?

According to real estate agents, you’ll never go wrong with hardwood. Some buyers and homeowners love hardwood enough to weave it through every room in the home.

There are others that want softness in the bedrooms. These homeowners prefer plush carpet with ample padding for softness, warmth, and creating the cozy factor inside each bedroom.

Plus, when you have a multi-level home, carpet can help muffle sound. With active bedrooms upstairs, installing padding and carpeting can act as a noise reducer, helping make the activity less noticeable from underneath.

Is carpet in bedrooms outdated?

Let’s start with your gut instinct. After reading the above advice, if you’re still worried about a house full of hardwood, if you prefer softness and warmth in the bedrooms, listen to your gut.

In 2020, carpet sales fell, thanks to stay-in-place orders and few people thinking about remodeling. But even by the end of 2020, the market was starting to rebound. Carpet is and has remained the largest flooring segment, accounting for 48.4 percent of all flooring sales.

With so many choices, you can find carpet that complements any decor, and adds richness to the surrounding area.

If you’re really not sure what to do, how about a compromise?

Add hardwood throughout. And follow it up by adding area rugs to the bedrooms. To keep your room soft, warm, and comfortable, make sure the area rug is large and covers a lot of the space inside each bedroom. Place it under the bed, and have it extend beyond the bed on all sides. You should be able to step onto it as you get out of bed. With a large bedroom, you may also wish to place smaller area rugs in critical places throughout the room. At the sides of each bed for warmth as you rise, plus in front of dressing areas, or other spots you spend time.

Carpet or hardwood – which is the right choice for your bedrooms? There really isn’t a “best” choice. It entirely depends on you.

If you need a little extra advice, stop by today. We have the answer to your questions, and can help you make a well informed decision.

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How Do You Choose Carpet Color With So Many To Choose From?

Sometimes, you feel like a kid in a candy store, with so many choices you aren’t sure which to choose.

If you’re redecorating, you may feel that sensation every time you head into a new store. What do you choose? How do you create the aesthetics you’re looking for?

When you’re working with home design, one of the first places to start is with flooring. It’s the base of your design. You’ve settled on carpet, but even after you make that decision, you still have difficult components left to choose.

How do you choose the right carpet color?

What about fiber?

Is a pattern better than a solid color?

Sometimes you walk right up to a particular style or fiber – you know what you want. But then it comes down to color.

How Do You Choose Carpet Color With So Many To Choose From?Color can often be the most difficult decision of all. That’s because color can have a big impact on your overall design. How do you select a color from a tiny swatch and have it installed into a large space and hope it’ll look okay?

What if you choose wrong?

Are you replacing or upgrading?

A brand new design is different from upgrading something already in place. If you’re starting with a clean palette, new floors, new wall colors, new furniture, new window coverings, you can select anything you desire.

If, however, you already have certain things in place, it narrows down your choices considerably. Are you building around existing wall color? Do you have a sofa you love? Will the drapes stay in place? That gives you your starting point. This gives you something to build upon.

No matter where you are in the process, we recommend starting with a color theme. What’s your preference, greys, tans, blues, or greens? Select base colors, and build from there. Once you have that in place, then choose the color of your carpet. It’s much easier to paint walls, select a new sofa, or even add design pieces than it is adding new carpet. If you start with your base, the rest will fall into place.

What about your lifestyle?

Do you lead a quiet life, just you in your home? Are you married with kids? Do you have a dog and a cat … and add to it regularly? Do you throw wild parties with friends, or do you prefer a quiet evening at home?

Use your lifestyle to lead you to make the right choice.

Often, people think carpet color is controlled by an active lifestyle, but other things come into play. Fibers can play a big role in how easy clean up will be. Do you want stain resistance? Pay attention to durability as well as how easy it cleans.

Yet no matter how much stain resistance is in place, carpet colors like white, light grey or beige, or any light neutral color will be more difficult to keep clean. Coupling that with durability, and lifestyle is more important than ever when finalizing your decisions.

In highly active areas, we often suggest darker neutrals, fibers with various flecks and shades, or patterns that well wear and hide small problems. If you move towards patterns with multiple shades of color, it will be less noticeable when accidents happen.

What about neutral colors?

We’ve mentioned selecting neutral carpet color several times for a reason. While trends come and go, neutral carpet colors tend to stick around. Walk into a home with a bright color carpet – orange, green, red. You’ll notice it. It can also date it, depending on the color. But if you walk into a home with a well placed neutral carpet, it’s the canvas for the home’s design. You notice the aesthetics of the decor, not follow your eyes to the floor.

Greys, beiges, browns, and even moving into shades of blue are considered to be neutral carpet fibers. If you can blend different decor into the room, without countering the effects of the carpet, it’ll stand the test of time.

Start with your budget in mind

Walking into a flooring dealer and seeing aisles of carpet can be a daunting experience. Before you walk down the aisles, finding samples you lean towards, talk with an associate first. Give them an idea of your project. Clue them into your budget. Then ask where your money will be well spent. They can lead you to manufacturers and products that suit your needs well.

This eliminates the potential of falling in love with a carpet way outside of your budget. It also gives you a chance to see carpet samples specifically made for your lifestyle, and will serve you well.

Then you can start sorting samples into different categories. Do you like patterns? Do you like specific textures or fibers? Do some samples draw you in, while others say: no way?

When you’re first starting out, pull what pleases you. What can you envision in your own home? Quickly you’ll start to see patterns in your approach. When several samples are laid out together, you’ll also find some stay in your maybe column, while others instantly seem out of place.

That’s the point of this exercise. When you see several potentials together, you’ll lean towards some over others. When you’ve narrowed it down to a few final selections, it’s time to get a few flooring samples and live with them for a bit. View them in a different light. See them next to the color of your walls. Compare them to the fabric of your sofa, chairs, and drapery.  One will quickly pull away from the pack, and you’ll know which will serve you best.

Choosing carpet color wisely

The color of your carpet sets the stage for the aesthetics of your home. It’s not something you should select in a day.

Instead, consider your options wisely. Look at design websites. Pay attention to trends. Consider your own lifestyle. And after careful consideration, choose the one that suits you best.

You’ll love your carpet for years to come.

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For The Love of Berber Carpet – Here’s What You Need To Know

There’s carpet. And then there’s Berber carpet. If you’ve ever heard someone talk about Berber, you might assume it’s in a class of its own.

You’d be correct.

If you trace Berber back in history, you’ll find that Berber comes from native North Africa. Thousands of years ago, these native “Berbers” had a unique weave they used when handcrafting textiles. This weave created multi-colored flecks and loops or knots of various sizes. This was the original Berber weave used in the rugs they produced.

Today, this is one of the defining features of Berber carpet. It consists of looped construction where the loops are sewn or tufted into the carpet’s backing. They are crafted into a rugged looped pile, though they can range in size from tight to loose. You’ll find Berber carpet created from one of three fibers:

  • Olefin
  • Nylon
  • Wool

What fiber you choose will ultimately determine the price you pay, the carpet’s durability, and stain resistance over time. Olefin may be the most common fiber found in Berber, but you’ll often find blends between the three as well.

Olefin is popular because it’s resistant to moisture and mildew. Berber is often used in busy places such as the family room or basement, which gives it an added bonus of standing up to all your family can dish out. It looks and feels like wool carpet, but is a more cost-effective option. It’s colorfast, meaning the fibers are dyed before the carpet is made. It can fade in direct sunlight.

For The Love of Berber Carpet - Here’s What You Need To KnowNylon is one of the most common fibers used in the carpet industry because it’s strong and easy to clean. It’s also non-allergenic, and both soil and mildew-resistant. It’s a great choice for high-traffic areas. Keep in mind that nylon can be prone to static, and piles easily. If you’re setting up a home office, it’s something to consider before installing.

Wool may be the hardest to find, but it does create a sophisticated look. Many homeowners search it out because it’s an environmentally friendly option. It’s naturally hypoallergenic, non-toxic, easy to clean, and has natural stain resistance. It will also be the most expensive option.

Why do people love Berber carpet so much? Glad you asked. There are many benefits that will move Berber high up on your list.

The advantages and disadvantages of Berber carpet

The unique knotted weave of Berber carpet can be a distinct advantage in durability. Its unique look is also something homeowners often search out. If you’re thinking about installing Berber in your home, here are a few reasons why it’s a great choice.

Durability

If you want a durable carpet, you won’t have to think twice about installing Berber. That’s why you’ll see Berber in a lot of commercial applications. The main reason for durability is that the fibers are woven directly into the backing rather than having exposed ends. Berber will never unravel because it won’t leave the ends exposed.

However, what gives it its unique texture can also put it at risk. If you’re active on Berber, drag furniture across, or somehow catch the loop, it can tear away from the backing, leaving a snag in its place. This can be a problem if you have active pets that love to run and play. You should also ensure a high-quality vacuum that won’t catch the fibers as it performs.

Stain resistance

While stain resistance isn’t necessarily built into Berber, and is impacted more by the fiber material you select, it is worth mentioning that Berber’s tight weave does bring stain resistance to another level. Instead of settling into the fibers, potential stains sit on top longer, allowing you to fully clean the area before it settles in.

The drawback comes if you don’t know the spill occurs. Once it settles into the tight weave, it can be more difficult to remove. Be conscious of your weekly cleaning habits, clean spills immediately, and you’ll love your Berber carpets for years to come.

Cost

Because Berber carpet is more in demand today than ever before, you’ll find prices all over the board. Set your budget before you come in, and we’ll easily be able to direct you to product lines that meet your criteria.

Just be aware that some Berber carpets require special carpet pads to perform well over time. Be sure to consider that as you’re making your final decision.

Does it pay to look for brand names you recognize? 

Occasionally you’ll find flyers and ads come into your home offering you “good” deals. They often tout Berber carpet because it’s a popular choice.

What they fail to mention is who created the Berber carpet. By using a recognizable brand name – Stainmaster, Shaw, just to name a few – you’re assured all that comes from working with a reputable brand. Likewise, by working with a reputable dealer, you’re assured the installation process will move smoothly from beginning to end.

Without a brand name, you may be impacted by products that don’t come with warranties, or installation processes that don’t stand the test of time. If your carpet pulls away, buckles, or snags from the beginning, without recourse, you’ll be left contemplating full replacement in a very short time frame.

How do Berber carpets compare to other types?

If you’ve researched carpets, you know they are often lumped into several categories to make it easier to understand and shop for.

Berber is known for its durability and functionality. Its unique look gives it away. But if you’re still not sure if it’s right for you, here’s how it compares to several other popular categories.

Berber or plush carpet? Plush carpet is soft and luxurious. If you want to dig your toes into softness, this might be the way to go. It’s a great carpet to lie on, snuggle on, and create a warm feeling. It will show footprints easier, and won’t last as long as other choices. If you have a busy household with kids and pets, Berber is the better choice.

Berber or frieze carpet? Friese provides a looser or shaggy appearance, while Berber provides the tight weave. It tends to be a bit softer, and is excellent at hiding foot traffic. It is a cut pile carpet, so that it won’t wear as well over time.

Berber or saxony carpet? Saxony is known for its softness. It’s a great choice in the bedrooms, where warmth and luxury are at the top of the list. But it’s not known for durability. In high traffic situations, you’ll be replacing saxony carpets more frequently than Berber.

What’s the right choice for you? 

Many homeowners love Berber carpet. It’s a durable option for every room in your home.

If you’re ready to consider installing Berber, stop by today and see your many options.

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How To Keep Hardwood Floors Looking Their Best

If you were building your dream home today, what kind of flooring would you install?

According to a National Wood Flooring Association survey, just more than half of homeowners – 52 percent – say they currently have hardwood somewhere in their homes. But when you ask them what kind of flooring they would install in their dream home, two-thirds say hardwood floors. That includes 81 percent of current hardwood flooring owners, with the most common reasons given being it’s durable, easy to clean, and attractive in every room in the home.

While those numbers are based on averages from homeowners across the country, we would bet the statistics actually rise here in Colorado. Coloradans love hardwood. Maybe it’s because we’re right at the base of the Rocky Mountains. The idea of a mountain retreat is appealing to us because it’s our normal. The scent of pinewood, the look and feel of pine throughout a home, even adding another log to the fireplace are high up on our wishlist.

If you’re changing out the flooring in your home, and wondering if hardwood is the way to go, even a little bit of research online might leave you confused and overwhelmed. Do a quick search and you’ll find articles touting all kinds of issues with installing a hardwood floor. You find articles on:

  • How difficult it is keeping hardwood floors clean
  • Why hardwood flooring is a bad choice in busy households
  • Why hardwood flooring is fragile, dents easily, and is a wrong choice in homes with pets and kids

How To Keep Hardwood Floors Looking Their BestOf course, it’s easy to start questioning everything when you read these words of advice.

But before you form your own opinion, especially if you’ve never lived with hardwood floors before, we suggest you stop by and speak with an expert to learn more before you make your final choice.

What can you do to make hardwood floors look their best?

Clean up spills quickly

In many cases, what turns people off of hardwood flooring is the look and feel of hardwood after spills penetrate the wood.

Because wood swells and shrinks depending on moisture levels, both on the wood itself and in the air, it’s important to keep moisture at steady levels all throughout the year. If moisture seeps in between cracks in the planks, and slips down into the subfloor, it can quickly start to damage the wood. Swelling, expanding, contracting, warping and more can occur rapidly once moisture impacts the wood.

That’s also a reason to ban wet shoes at the door. Set up a mat as soon as you enter and require all shoes to be left at the door. That creates less of a mess throughout your home, and prevents water from accumulating in small puddles without you noticing.

Water and hardwood can also cause another potential problem – slip hazards. Water puddling combined with a hard lacquer finish can make the flooring slippery. This is especially dangerous on staircases or areas where the potential of falling increases.

Sweep and dust daily

Cleaning daily may seem a bit excessive, but it’s a great way to ensure the look and feel of hardwood floors stays in top condition.

Even if you’re a “no shoes” household, dust, tiny rocks, and other particles can easily make their way into your home and onto your floors. Baking cookies? What happens when a little bit of sugar spills underneath your feet? It’s easy for fine particles to be ground into the finish, dulling the look. You might not notice one or two tiny scratches, but over time, they can have a heavy impact on the finish or your flooring.

It doesn’t take much to run a broom or swiffer across the hardwood once a day to pick up these small amounts of dust and remove them from the finish.

Then once a week, go for the deeper clean. Run a vacuum over it and pick up things you missed. Be careful about using a wet mop as too much moisture on hardwood can quickly cause damage.

Use furniture pads

Scratches are one of the biggest problems for hardwood flooring. Those tiny scratches quickly add up, and can mar the look of your floors.

While some scratches are inevitable, others are preventable. Be aware of what items in your home have the potential for causing the greatest damage.

If you have island chairs, a breakfast nook, or dining room chairs, they will be pulled out and used every day. Adding furniture pads to the legs will help buffer the potential of damage caused by daily use.

Don’t ignore sofas, tables, and other furniture with tiny wooden or metal legs. These furniture pieces may be stationary, but it’s possible to bump them and have them move even a fraction at a time. Because of their weight, they can produce severe damage to the flooring underneath, especially if you bump and move the item regularly. You’ll notice it when you move the piece and add something new, or redecorate and change things up.

Use approved floor cleaners only 

You want clean floors. You find a product at your favorite market that promises clean wood floors. What could be wrong with picking up this product for weekly use?

A lot.

Many of the products on the market contain chemicals and other by-products not meant for use on wood floors – even if they state they’re safe for wood floor use. If you use the wrong product, you can damage your floors, and possibly null and void the warranty that came with your flooring.

Before you select a cleaning product, check with your flooring’s manufacturer first.

Schedule refinishing every three to five years

A single homeowner who travels a lot is different from a busy family with lots of kids and pets. Only you know how much activity your floors see on a daily basis.

With that in mind, schedule refinishing every few years to keep your floors looking good, and ensure they have a protective layer that helps prevent spills from penetrating. This will ensure the wood underneath lasts for years, and continues to look good no matter how often you change your decor.

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These Facts Will Make You Want Bamboo Flooring In Every Room In Your Home

Flooring isn’t something you replace regularly. When you decide it’s time for new floors, you start your search in different ways.

Maybe you’ve visited your local big box store to see what’s on sale. Maybe you’ve searched online to find out what’s popular.

With those ideas in mind, you start your search. Yet if you’re relying on “truth” from those two sources, you might not have a clear picture of what’s the right flooring for your home.

Let’s look at bamboo flooring. While it’s been growing in popularity over the past few years, if you come across an older website discussing the pros and cons of bamboo as a flooring choice, you might not fully understand this resource. Bamboo has been growing in popularity because manufacturers have been getting better at turning it into a flooring choice that works well for your home.

When you really know the facts about bamboo flooring, it’s going to rise to the top of your list for every room in your home.

Fact: Bamboo is a hard, durable flooring material

Bamboo is often compared to hardwood, yet it isn’t hardwood at all. Instead, bamboo comes from grass, not a tree.

These Facts Will Make You Want Bamboo Flooring In Every Room In Your HomeTo create hardwood, it requires you to harvest trees and produce them in plank format. That process can take several decades of growth. Bamboo is a fast growing plant, and can be harvested within five to seven years. What’s even better is it is a sustainable crop, meaning once it’s cut down, it grows right back to the same height in another five to seven years. That makes it a perfect choice for people who are trying to reduce their carbon footprint, and look for building materials that add green technology into their homes.

Yet don’t let the fact that it’s a grass make you think it isn’t durable. All hardwood is sold based on a Janka rating for telling consumers just how hard the product is. The Janka test is performed on a sample 2×6 inches in size. The rating is calculated by determining how much pressure it takes to push a 0.444 inch steel ball halfway into the wood sample. Oak is ranked around 1360. Brazillian cherry is at 3650. Strand woven bamboo registers at 4000.

A lot of misrepresentation happened with the original bamboo put on the market back when it was first introduced in the 1990s. Today’s bamboo is nothing like the original building material. If you want a durable floor that will last through all your family can dish out, bamboo may be the right choice.

Fact: Bamboo is a great choice for kids and pets

One of the most common questions we have from homeowners is in finding the perfect mix between a flooring they want, and one that handles well to all their family can dish out. And we get it; your kids and pets aren’t going to stop being kids and pets just because you installed new floors.

You may tell them to be careful the first few days. But after a while, all bets are off – you’ve got living to do.

Older generations of bamboo were soft enough that pet’s nails and other sharp objects could easily scratch the surface. But if that happens today, it’s because the bamboo flooring you installed is of poor quality.

Because bamboo is one of the hardest surface materials, it can take all your family can dish out. With the right finish in place, it can withstand years of use, even with the heaviest of dogs walking over the floors each day.

Fact: Bamboo can be installed anywhere

Homeowners love hardwood – they want it everywhere. Yet if you’ve ever tried placing hardwood in your basement, for example, you know that is a recipe for disaster.

Yet this can be a perfect place to install bamboo. Bamboo is so versatile, it can be installed below grade on a plywood subfloor, or even right over concrete. It does well in most climate conditions; just be sure you check with the manufacturer of the product you select to ensure it meets the standards of where you’ll install it.

Fact: Bamboo isn’t automatically made with chemicals

If you read enough online, you’ll find many stories about how bad bamboo flooring can be for your health. They have high concentrations of formaldehyde, and can cause a host of problems, especially with vulnerable family members.

This simply isn’t true. Yes, you can find some materials that are made in less than honorable ways. But high quality manufacturers are going to create products that stand the test of time.

This is also an example of why you should pay attention and do your due diligence as you shop. If you find a low cost source that seems too good to be true, it probably is.

All sorts of products on the market today are created using chemicals. The more aware we become of how they are impacting our health, the harder some companies work to reduce the chemicals in their product lines.

Ask questions about the products you’re interested in. If you want truly sustainable bamboo flooring materials that are chemical free and will help you live a cleaner life, we’re happy to show you products that meet your guidelines. Can you find that on a fly-by-night resource online? Of course. But when you choose reputable dealers, you’ll be able to dig deeper into the sources to choose from, and understand your product on a deeper level.

Fact: Bamboo flooring provides a great looking floor

If you want a durable flooring product that looks great throughout your home, bamboo can be the resource you’re looking for. If you want a product that can be refinished to give it an even longer lifespan, bamboo might be a perfect choice. If you’re looking for a flooring product that comes in a variety of colors and patterns, and will work well no matter what your family can dish out, we highly recommend you give bamboo another look.

As flooring dealers, we understand that individual homeowners have a variety of wants and needs. Stop by today and we can share with you a variety of flooring products perfect for your busy lifestyle.

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Why Hard Flooring Is A Cleaner, Healthier Choice For Your Home

For many homeowners, remodeling and renovation are at the top of their lists this year. And for good reason.

After the changes we’ve made to our lifestyles over the past year, we want homes that allow more flexibility. We want space so we can enjoy the activities we do best.

Above all, we want space that’s easy to clean and healthy for our families.

For all those reasons and more, hard flooring is a logical choice.

Does flooring affect your health?

At the base of your home decor sits your flooring. It takes the brunt of everyday activities. If you drop food and don’t fully clean it, particles start accumulating. If you walk across it with your shoes on, trace contaminants can lodge into place, and impact your health.

The type of flooring you have underfoot matters. It sets the stage for how well your floors handle under normal everyday living. It’s also about how well the flooring can be cleaned.

Hardwood is one of the oldest and most widely used materials for flooring because it’s durable, easy to clean, and creates pleasing aesthetics at the same time.

People also associate the surface of harwood with being healthier than other types of flooring. If something spills, it’s easier to wipe away. If dust or other particles accumulate, you simply sweep them away.

If things like pet dander, hair, pollen, mold, and other pollutants accumulate, they have the potential to put your health at risk. It most often starts by triggering allergic reactions. If you find coughing, sneezing, and itchy eyes extend beyond the typical cold, it might be allergies.

Reducing these triggers is the most effective way to reduce allergy flare-ups. Based on many different studies, hard flooring is easier to control, and therefore is easier to manage and keep allergic reactions at bay.

In many cases, however, the focus should be put on keeping floors clean more than what material the flooring is made from. If hardwood floors, for instance, are rarely cleaned, they have an accumulation of pollutants from indoor and outdoor messes, they can still affect your health.

Beyond hard and soft – materials matter too

Why Hard Flooring Is A Cleaner, Healthier Choice For Your HomeReducing exposure to triggers is the most effective way to keep your family healthy. To do that means creating a surface that’s easily cleaned, and remains free of particles that increase the chances of flare-ups.

Studies show that hard surfaces are able to do that easier. Carpets, for example, can act as storage for allergens. One of the most troublesome areas is in the bedroom, where you can be exposed to these allergens every night while you sleep.

For people with asthma and other respiratory problems, it can easily exacerbate the situation. Like any flooring material, keeping it clean is the key to avoiding problems. That goes beyond regular vacuuming, and includes steam cleaning it regularly too.

When many homeowners think about carpet, they automatically assume it aggravates allergies and asthma symptoms. That’s not always the case. Like hardwood, carpeting has been around for centuries in various states. Instead of selecting synthetic materials, jute, wool, and other natural fibers can make a significant impact in keeping your home clean.

Because natural fibers aren’t created in a lab, and don’t use chemicals to create barriers between spills and your floors, you’ll have to take extra precautions to keep it looking its best. That may mean vacuuming frequently and using a steam cleaner regularly too. You might be more careful with where you place them, and change your daily habits accordingly.

But will a natural carpet be better than some hard flooring choices?

Synthetic flooring has been known to off-gas, which, when tested, have been shown to be as bad or worse than what carpets may harbor. Synthetic floors may contain volatile organic compounds – VOCs – that can aggravate symptoms and release these VOCs continually into the air supply, especially as it’s newly installed and settling into the surroundings.

It goes beyond the flooring material itself

Carpet or hardwood? Tile or laminate? Vinyl or linoleum?

If you’ve shopped for flooring, you know there are thousands of options available to you. It can be overwhelming selecting what type of flooring, and once you do, the options compound by giving you style, color, and pattern choices.

While most homeowners focus on the material and the aesthetics it creates, there’s another concern as well: installation.

Carpet gives you a soft, warm, comfortable flooring that works well in bedrooms. Carpet padding sets the stage for how well the carpet performs, so it’s equally as important as the flooring you choose.

Tile comes in a variety of sizes, colors, and patterns, but it’s the glue that holds it in place that will ultimately determine wearability and how long your tile functions and looks good.

Hardwood can be securely glued to the subfloor, or use click and lock technology, so it floats above the subfloor.

Flooring choices are important, but equally important is how the flooring is secured to the subfloor.

If you use adhesive, it can contain just as many VOCs as synthetic flooring, making your natural flooring choice just as volatile. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has stated that the key to creating a healthier home is to pay attention to everything that goes into creating the home you live in. Pay attention to what triggers symptoms, and reduce their use. That includes keeping your home clean, and paying attention to the products you use to clean it with.

Everything matters in creating healthy indoor air quality. From the materials you use to build your house, to the personal items you bring into your home. Question anything that can be considered toxic, and make wiser choices.

Is hard flooring healthier for your family?

Hard flooring is only healthier if you pay attention to how you’re introducing it into your home. Synthetic hard flooring may be more symptomatic than natural carpet, for example. In this case, it would come down to your cleaning patterns, and how well you care for your home.

Only you can make the right choice for your home. To create a healthy environment for your family, stop by today and see the many different flooring choices available to help you create the environment that keeps you happy and safe for years to come.

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What’s Better For The Environment – Hardwood, Cork, or Bamboo?

When a lot of homeowners decide to upgrade their interiors, the first place they start is with the flooring. After all, it’s one of the easiest ways to make a big impact in your home.

Here in Colorado, hardwood remains ever-popular. It’s where many homeowners start, especially for the main living spaces inside the family home. But if you have the desire to improve the sustainability of the materials you choose, and to reduce your carbon footprint, you start paying attention to the material and how it’s sourced. You love hardwood, but is it your best choice?

That may just give you a push to look at other sustainable products. You’ll find both bamboo and cork have many of the same qualities as hardwood, yet either can give you even more environmentally friendly aspects you’ll love bringing into your home.

Which should you consider? Start by understanding the pros and cons that each offers to your home.

What does environmentally friendly mean?

Before we get into what material is the most environmentally friendly for use in your home, it’s important to have a greater understanding of what it means to be environmentally friendly.

To live eco-friendly means to focus on preventing as much harm to the environment as you can through your daily intentions. It means selecting eco-friendly products that promote green living and prevent air, water, and noise pollution. They don’t drain the resources in the environment, while at the same time prevent human health deterioration.

What’s Better For The Environment - Hardwood, Cork, or Bamboo?To build a life around eco-friendly choices, it takes time to learn what’s out there, discover how it impacts the carbon footprint you create through your daily life, and support others who are also working to reduce emissions and create a more sustainable lifestyle.

The reason the three materials mentioned here – hardwood, bamboo, and cork – are closely associated with eco-friendly living is because of how they are produced as well as their popularity in the marketplace.

Bamboo and sustainability

One of the reasons bamboo has grown in popularity is its ability to mimic the looks of hardwood. It’s available in a wide array of colors and patterns. Leave it in its natural state to bring out aesthetically pleasing qualities. Or look for a broader range of options to match any design preferences.

One of the things that attracts people to bamboo is its sustainability. Bamboo isn’t actually a hardwood, and isn’t a product made from trees. Instead, it’s created from a rapidly growing grass that rejuvenated itself regularly from rhizome stock.  It can be harvested annually once the plant reaches full maturity, which can occur within five to seven years.

If bamboo is well managed, it grows rapidly in areas that require little work to create a dynamic stock. It requires neither pesticides nor fertilizers to grow, and works to prevent runoff into rivers and lakes. It’s important to check out the supplier carefully, to ensure the manufacturer is sourcing the product from well managed resources. This ensures they care about the material they are selecting, the process used in manufacturing, as well as creating the best product for your home.

If you select wisely, bamboo will be just as durable as other hardwood options. Bamboo can be as hard as red oak, and offer moisture-resistance that makes it a great choice for many rooms in your home. Care for it well,  and it can easily give you 20 to 25 years of life or more.

Cork and sustainability 

What do you think of when someone mentions cork? For many, it brings up wine bottles and bulletin boards they may have used in school. But cork flooring doesn’t resemble either of those. Instead, it’s a different flooring alternative with a lot of benefits you’ll find in other choices, such as hardwood or bamboo.

Cork flooring is sourced from the cork tree that is native and abundant in Portugal. Instead of chopping down the tree to use the internal wood, cork is taken from the tree’s bark, ground up, and processed into large sheets. It’s then baked in a kiln to achieve hardness, and brought into homes or commercial buildings for use.

Like bamboo, cork isn’t a “once only” product. Instead, cork can be harvested once every nine years from mature trees over 25 years old. When you remove the bark, it doesn’t harm the tree; it simply grows back. That means you can continually harvest it for years to come without destroying the crop.

Cork flooring has been used for hundreds of years and is found in homes throughout time. It’s both a sustainable and renewable resource that captures large amounts of carbon dioxide. If well cared for, cork can last for decades, meaning you won’t have to replace it multiple times as you update your home.

Hardwood and sustainability 

Hardwood has been a popular flooring choice, and continues to be one of the most in-demand on the market today. But is it sustainable?

Wood is a renewable resource if you select from a manufacturer that focuses on sustainable practices. Like other crops, wood can be harvested without damaging the environment if its carefully managed with sustainability in mind. Hardwood growers realize that it can take a tree up to 60 years to mature, so they manage their resources by planting more trees than they harvest. That ensures a growth rate that can always step up to date with demand. You can use the American Hardwood Export Council’s interactive map to learn more about the types and locations of where wood is harvested from.

Being environmentally friendly isn’t just about where the product is sourced from. It’s also about lifespan. If a product lasts for 60 years, it can be more environmentally friendly than one that needs changing out every 20.

It also depends on recyclability. Can the product be used again after removal? Can it be recycled into something else, without being deposed into the landfills?

Hardwood is a product that can continue to be used again and again, for projects like furniture, decorative features, or even accent walls.

What’s your preference?

What’s the best choice for environmentally friendly living – hardwood, bamboo, or cork? They each have their own unique characteristics that make them a great addition to any family home.

What’s your preference?

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Disability Friendly Flooring

Are you remodeling a home with aging in place in mind? Do you have a family member with a disability, and finding friendly flooring isn’t just an option, it’s a necessity?

Before you make your final purchase, there are a few things in mind.

ADA and flooring

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a ruling that went into effect in the 1990s that guarantees equal opportunity accommodations for people with disabilities. The standards created through this act apply to all building materials, including flooring. The ADA states flooring should be:

  • Slip resistant – there should be adequate traction for wheelchairs and other mobility devices to gain a firm grip on the floor without slipping or skidding
  • Firmness – the flooring should dent or compress from the weight of the mobility device
  • Stability – it shouldn’t slip, slide, detach, or fold as one moves over it
  • Smoothness – it shouldn’t be bumpy or uneven, or cause hurdles that are difficult to navigate
  • Softness – it should provide give in the case of falls or accidents

When creating a space for aging in place, it’s important to consider many different options. Some people may need assistance walking and do well with the air of a cane or walker. Others may require full-time assistance from a wheelchair.

Disability Friendly FlooringAging in place is about ensuring you have the products and materials in place to ensure transitions. Focus on:

  • Ease of movement – ensure you can walk or roll freely from one room to the next without bumpy transitions of loose material that can be a tripping hazard.
  • Cushion for potential falls – falling is the number one risk of injury for people as they age. To ensure cushion, pay attention to both subfloor and flooring.
  • Ease of maintenance – choosing the right flooring also means creating an environment that’s easy to clean and maintain with little effort.
  • Comfort – at the end of the day, flooring should create an environment you want to live in. Choose the right flooring that gives you the base you need as well as the looks that allow you to call your house a home.

What disability friendly flooring choices should you consider?

With so many different types of materials on the market today, there are a variety of choices that can suit your needs.

Tile

For wheelchair use, tile is considered one of the best choices on the market for a number of reasons.

Tile is hard and durable, meaning it won’t change or wear with a lot of use. They come in a wide variety of sizes, styles, and textures, so that you can optimize your living quarters for better traction. The ideal tile surface would have a grain or stone texture, rather than a smooth surface that would be a little more slippery. Smaller tiles also provide more opportunities for grout lines, offering traction for better grip for wheels.

But what’s good for wheelchairs might not make it the best choice for other mobility disabilities. Smaller tiles with more grout lines can create a tripping hazard for people with canes and walkers.

Tile is also one of the hardest surfaces available. Tile won’t give in a fall, meaning there’s a greater chance of injury.

Vinyl

Today’s vinyl is growing in popularity because of its good looks and easy maintenance. You can find vinyl in many different styles – sheet vinyl, luxury vinyl planks, and luxury vinyl tiles. They create a sturdy, level surface area that supports disability friendly flooring options in all kinds of situations. If you go with a commercial-grade, it’s designed to stand up in all kinds of situations, and can make a good addition to a home where walkers and wheelchairs are in constant contact with the floor.

With sheet vinyl, a wear mark or tear might mean replacing the entire floor. With newer options, such as luxury vinyl planks, you can replace smaller spaces to avoid the expense of replacing the entire living space. It’s available in a variety of colors and patterns, and can mimic anything from stone to tile to wood, giving you both aesthetics as well as functionality.

Laminate

Laminate gives a homeowner the look and feel of real hardwood with more durability as well as ease of maintenance. It can be a great candidate for flooring when mobility issues are a part of your daily living.

What’s more, laminate is also budget-friendly, meaning it’s easier on the wallet when you decide to make a change inside your home.

Laminate comes with a rating scale known as the Abrasion Class (AC) to help you determine how much wear and tear it can handle. Err on the side of heavy use, selecting heavy residential or even commercial grade ratings when you’re selecting the flooring materials. A rating of at least an AC3 will give you maximum efficiency for moderate traffic at the commercial level, and will have more properties to resist scuffing and scratching, as well as regular wear and tear.

Engineered hardwood

Hardwood remains at the top of homeowner’s wishlists. To ensure the flooring you install handles well in all kinds of situations, engineered hardwood may be the perfect choice for your needs. Engineered wood comes with a real hardwood veneer that makes it tough enough to handle all kinds of traffic, including wheelchairs and walkers. Its grain texture provides some traction and slip-resistance as well.

When choosing an engineered hardwood floor, look to the Janka rating to help select a hardwood species that will do well under pressure. This rating gives you an indication of the hardness of the wood species, with woods like oak, hickory, and maple being higher up the list. This makes them more durable than softer woods like pine, will hold up better over time against things like scuffs and dents.

Low pile carpet

For many homeowners, carpet is still up high on their wishlists. It makes a great choice for both softness and warmth. Yet for mobility issues, it’s important to select a carpet that isn’t too thick or plus, and that won’t resist when wheelchairs move across it.

Avoid carpets thicker than ½ inch and look for something shorter, commercial-grade, with compact fibers. Avoid a thick carpet pad as well as this will show more wear over time.

Ensure it is glued or tacked into place, so it doesn’t move and bunch up as a wheelchair passes over it. You should never use peel and stick tiles as they aren’t strong enough to hold up over time.

What’s your choice for a disability friendly flooring?

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Why Natural Flooring Is The Rage in 2021

Every year brings about all new changes.

We make resolutions to try and move towards new habits and patterns. We clean up our diets, our homes, and sometimes our lives.

When you shop, you’ll find colors that are fresh and new. Pantone selects new colors each year, and for 2021, it’s Ultimate Gray and Illuminating, a bright and cheerful yellow. You’ll see these colors popping up everywhere you shop.

But maybe you’re looking beyond new paint for the walls and a new pillow for the sofa. Maybe you’re thinking of a more significant change – new flooring for 2021. New flooring sets the stage for new aesthetics throughout your home. Whether you make a small change by replacing carpet with something similar, or going wild and selecting an exotic hardwood, it can have a big impact on your lifestyle.

What do we see as the growing trend in flooring for 2021 and beyond? Natural flooring. Experts agree it’s what homeowners want as they freshen up their homes.

What is natural flooring?

When most people refer to natural flooring, what they really mean is flooring that comes from a renewable resource. This includes materials such as cork, bamboo, linoleum, wood, resin, stone, porcelain, glass, concrete, and some fibers.

Natural flooring has many benefits.

Why Natural Flooring Is The Rage in 2021Sustainable – this is one of the top reasons people are moving towards natural flooring: it’s sustainable and not as taxing on the environment. The materials can be extracted from nature without harming the world we live in. Not only is the material from a renewable resource, but it’s also readily biodegradable and can be recycled or returned to nature without harming the earth.

Durable – if well maintained, natural flooring can last for many years and look good in the process.

Resilience – natural floors exist within your home without damaging indoor air quality. They have hypoallergenic attributes, can be insect and pest repellant, and can adapt to their surroundings. Natural flooring isn’t made in a lab, nor does it require harmful chemicals to install it or keep it looking its best. It naturally shines, which makes it a choice that can work well in your home for years to come.

Beauty – it’s hard to deny the classic good looks of natural flooring products. Because they’ve been around for years – centuries – people never tire of their looks.

With all of that in mind, what are our top choices for natural flooring this year?

Grained hardwood

Hardwood is a flooring choice many homeowners want. Studies continually show that hardwood flooring stays at the top of homeowners’ wishlists.

Yet because hardwood has been around for decades, installing the “same old wood” can be a little boring for some homeowners. They want something fresh, new, exciting. For all these reasons and more, grained hardwood is growing in popularity.

Instead of smooth, clean lines associated with some hardwood choices, grained hardwood is installed with bold textures that can’t be ignored.

Smooth – over half of all hardwood is smooth. It gives classic elegance, and has been the most in-demand product for generations. It highlights the grain by providing an overall appearance that is soft and delicate. But if you want other options, try:

Open grain – instead of sanding it smooth, wood is cut to add texture to the floor. Open grain species such as elm, oak, or hickory are considered “ring-porous” and have large pores and distinctive grain patterns visible to the eye. They create rifts and valleys that are apparent when the floor is laid into place.

Wire brushed – this finish is created by running a wire brush over the planks to create a soft grain textured surface. It showcases the natural beauty of the wood.

Handscraped – each plank is handscraped and handcrafted to create an aged, worn look. It gives old-world charm that makes a perfect addition to some homes.

Distressed – distressed hardwood is manufactured with both a wire brush and handscraping to give a rustic appeal with a dimensional texture.

No matter which you choose, adding grained hardwood to your home will give your home personality and charm that lasts for years.

Natural carpet

While most carpets are created using some type of synthetic material, there are a few carpet choices prized for their natural fibers and eco-friendly renewable resources.

Wool is the most common fiber choice because it’s strong and resists pilling, stains, and fire damage. It also has natural lanolin that causes spills and moisture to bead up rather than soaking in. Wool can make an excellent addition to any home because the fibers trap air, creating an environment that’s both soundproof and insulated against extreme temperatures.

Jute is another carpet choice that is made from fibers from plants in the Corchorus genus, which are grown in abundance in Asia. The plant is soaked in water and stripped of its fibers. It is an especially soft fiber that can make a good choice in low traffic areas such as bedrooms.

Sisal is made from fibers from Agave sisalana plants. These fibers are easy to dye, and can make a versatile addition to any home. It stands up in high traffic situations, but it can be slippery in certain situations. It’s not a good choice for stairs. It can break down with too much moisture, so place it in rooms accordingly.  

Eco-friendly flooring lifespan

While we often consider specific types of flooring material when making our final selections, it’s also important to note that to truly be concerned about the overall carbon footprint of a flooring product, look at the entire life cycle when making a selection.

Selecting a natural carpet like wool can be a good choice for your home, but if you rip it out every few years and it winds up in the landfill, it’s defeating the purpose of being a carbon neutral selection.

Homeowners rarely think about vinyl when it comes to making a natural selection, but some products on the market today are made from recycled materials. And when it reaches the end of life, it can also be recycled and used in other ways.

How about cork or bamboo? Both products grow rapidly in nature, and when sourced ethically, can be a welcome addition to any home.

If you’re looking for natural flooring to install in your home here in 2021, the possibilities may astound you. Stop by today and take a look at all the different materials and products we have available, and find the right flooring choice for your home.

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