Trying To Avoid Pet Problems? Invest In Better Carpet Padding

Pets. They’re a loved part of our families.

If you have a pet in your home, you know the extra work that goes into keeping them safe and comfortable. It also takes extra work to ensure your home stays in good working condition.

Ever had a pet’s urine impact your flooring? Ever had water issues soak through to the subfloor?

Ever had to replace your carpet long before its time because of noticeable stains and smells?

If you’re trying to avoid pet problems as you install new carpet, one of your best courses of action is to invest in better carpet padding.

The purpose of carpet padding

The main purpose of carpet padding is to protect your carpet. The pad is a barrier – a cushion – between the fibers of the carpet above wearing against the material in the subfloor. It also helps with impact from heavy furniture or foot traffic as you walk across.

It’s up to your carpet pad to:

  • Create a soft feel as you walk across.
  • Create a more efficient way of cleaning your carpet. A proper pad will allow the vacuum to raise the carpet slightly, pulling dirt from the depths, which can cause allergic reactions.
  • Create a barrier from the floor beneath to your room above. It’s the carpet pad that can help give a room warmth. Pay attention to the R-value of the carpet pad, which measures the pad’s ability to have heat passing through it.
  • Create noise reduction. This is especially true between floor levels, when you want to keep sounds from upstairs flowing through to the floor below.

Carpet padding construction

Trying To Avoid Pet Problems? Invest In Better Carpet PaddingIn most cases, carpet padding is made from one of three materials.

Foam – there are three different types of foam used today in pad production. Prime polyurethane foam is created by combining two liquids, cut into sheets to form cushioned padding. This is what you’ll find in upholstered furniture and mattresses in addition to carpet padding. Bonded polyurethane foam is formed by combining shredded pieces of foam, and is a great recycled option. Froth polyurethane foam is directly applied to the back of some carpets, eliminating the process of laying both into place. This is especially useful in commercial applications.

Rubber – rubber carpet padding comes in two constructions. Waffle rubber is a soft, resilient pad that is often used in residential applications. Flat sponge rubber is a dense pad that is normally used in commercial settings.

Fiber – fiber padding uses existing fiber materials that are woven together into a felt sheet. You’ll find natural fibers made from jute or even animal hair, or synthetic fibers that include nylon, polyester, polypropylene, and acrylics. Synthetic fibers do well in all kinds of foot traffic applications.

What about waterproof padding?

When you’re out shopping for carpet, some flooring companies may recommend a moisture barrier padding to eliminate the worry of pet accidents on your carpet. But, do they work?

A moisture barrier padding is a carpet pad that has an extra layer designed to prevent liquids from passing through from the carpet to the padding and ultimately down to the subfloor. It also prevents the reverse from happening, from having liquid vapor rise from the base floor up through the padding and into the carpet fibers.

This type of carpet pad is designed to make moisture less of a problem. Instead of worrying about a stain setting in, the moisture barrier prevents liquid from moving down, impacting your subfloor. The protection makes it possible to blot the liquid away. It removes all traces of the liquid – the stain and the smell.

Does it work?

If you dump water directly on the padding, you’ll see that the water sits on top of the moisture barrier. It will work … if you use the product in the correct manner.

The problem is twofold.

First, the only way to ensure you receive all the benefits from moisture-resistant carpet padding is to ensure your carpet installer knows what they are doing. Even carpet installers who have been in the business for years can handle the product the wrong way if they are in a hurry or aren’t trained correctly. This is where relying on a high quality flooring company can ensure you purchase the right product and have it installed correctly.

Also, pay attention to changes as the material ages. Brand new carpet padding with a moisture barrier will hold the liquid on top and prevent it from seeping through. But the more you walk on it, the more the padding adjusts, the greater the chance of a crack forming in the material itself. When your pet urinates, most of the liquid will sit on top, giving you the chance to blot it away. Some might seep through the hole or crack – even just a trace amount – and that’s where your potential problems begin.

This small amount of liquid is now trapped under the moisture barrier, where it can pool and run in different directions along the subfloor.

It can sit there for weeks, months, without causing a problem. But when it does, it can impact a lot more than just your carpeting.

It can also work in reverse. The carpet padding may handle well from protecting urine from penetrating down through the material and into the subfloor. But if you use it in a basement, for example, moisture from the ground can settle in without a place to go. It sits and builds below the moisture barrier, causing additional problems.

Look for high quality products

If you’re looking to avoid pet problems with your carpet down the road, it’s a good idea to start with better carpet padding from the moment you install it.

Go with a brand name you can trust – one that has stood the test of time. We carry several top rated brands that we will gladly recommend to you.

Stainmaster, for example, has a PetProtect carpet and padding system that can help your carpet look good and handle well in all kinds of situations. This product uses the moisture barrier to lock moisture away from penetrating down into the fibers, making it easier to clean. It’s also designed to reduce the smell that can sometimes occur, especially with repeat problems.

If you’re in the market for new carpeting, don’t ignore what you place underneath your carpets. Investigate what goes underneath your carpets too.

Have further questions? We’re just a phone call away.

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A Guide To Backing, Edging, and Padding For Your Area Rug

You have your hardwood floors installed. Now it’s time to add an area rug.

Where do you start?

If you’re like most homeowners, it starts with size and color. You measure your space, determine the size you need, and start to shop. You’ll find area rugs in every color – blue, green, red – and every pattern you can imagine. Whether you have something plain in mind, or want wild with a pop of color, you can find what you’re looking for with a thorough search.

But what you may not look for can actually affect longevity of your area rug. If you don’t pay attention to the backing, edging, and padding of your area rug, it can make you have buyer’s remorse sooner rather than later.

Edging options for area rugs

Most area rugs need a finish around the edges to prevent them from fraying or unraveling. This isn’t a one size fits all process. You’ll find many different options.

A standard edging is most common, and is often used on a variety of broadloom carpets. It’s also the least expensive, which is why you’ll see this most frequently on area rugs. It’s designed to blend in rather than call attention to it.

A serging binding edge is created with yarn stitches over the binding itself. It’s also designed to blend in with the rug, and not call attention to the finishing work.

3 to 5 inch binding is often used to add a decorative touch to the rug itself. Depending on color, it can blend in or coordinate and stand out. You’ll find three-inch binding used on lower pile, with the five-inch on low to medium carpet options.

Backing options for area rugs

A Guide To Backing, Edging, and Padding For Your Area RugFlip your area rug over and you’ll find the backing is created in different ways. Depending on performance requirements, backing is created from a variety of different fiber options.

Many area rugs use an attached non-slip rubber backing for safety. This non-slip backing is glued into place and installed so that the rug cannot move once it’s laid into place over a hard surface. This option doesn’t add cushion to the rug, but it does add protection for the hard floor surface area, as well as ensure that the rug won’t move once you set it into place.

Other area rugs add an attached felt pad that ensures the fibers from the rug material won’t harm the flooring underneath in any way. This is an inexpensive way for manufacturers to bind the fibers together, as well as ensure they won’t damage flooring. If you will be laying an area rug over carpet, this is the best way to go.

Of course, what type of backing is used is determined by the manufacturer. You’ll often find different fibers in place to offer you more benefits and options. Felt backing can be hypoallergenic and be made from sustainably sourced materials. This can be a good option if you’re looking for ways to decrease your carbon footprint. Latex backings can increase wearability, and offer non-slip qualities you need for your home. This makes accessing your needs carefully a requirement before you start shopping for your area rug.

Rug padding or underlayment options

While the edging and backing are a part of the area rug selection, the rug padding or underlayment you choose are optional and dependent on your needs. A rug pad is the material that rests between the surface of your floor and the backing of the area rug. It’s an extra layer of material that helps you increase safety and prevents tripping or falling if the rug shifts and moves. It’s a cushion for your feet as well as protection for your area rug, so it’s important to spend some time selecting the right one.

Do you need a rug pad? 

If you place an area rug in your home, it’s beneficial to have a rug pad in place. Why?

  • Rug pads increase your safety, ensuring the rug stays in place
  • Rug pads add comfort, giving your area rug more wearability
  • Rug pads protect the flooring from scratches from furniture legs and movement
  • Rug pads add protection to the rug itself, helping it last longer and maintain its shape better
  • Rug pads help you clean, preventing movement every time you vacuum your rug
  • Rug pads reduce friction and movement between the fibers of the rug and your floor

Are you sold on an area rug pad? Now the question is: Which one?

Choosing a rug pad

You’ll find rug pads or underlayments in several styles.

Grip only pads are the thinnest on the market. They are great for outdoor space because they won’t be impacted by moisture. They also work well in high-traffic areas because they add a lower profile to the finish. That means your doors will swing without a problem, and you’ll reduce the possibility of tripping.

Cushioned pads add softness to the area rug. That makes this the perfect choice in rooms where your family will hang out. Use them in bedrooms or playrooms where your kids are often lying on the floor. These are also good in family rooms and other main floor areas where you want to mute the sound and bring down the noise factor.

Grip and cushion pads combine the benefits of both into one rug pad. You’ll receive just the right amount of grip to keep the area rug in place, while also adding warmth and comfort at the same time. Keep in mind that with many pads, you can customize them and cut them to fit into place.

What other options do you need?

We realize homeowners have designed their homes to be unique, adding just the right personality to please. What are you looking for in an area rug? What questions can we answer for you?

Whether you’re just starting the looking process, or are ready to narrow down your selections and buy, we can help you find the perfect area rug for your home. One you’ll love for years to come.

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Shop For Padding Along With Your Carpet

Are you in the middle of planning a remodel for your home? Are you dreaming of new carpets in the bedroom? Or maybe a plush carpet in the family media room?

Before you get excited about the color, the style, or the pattern, maxing out your budget on your selection, there’s another thing to consider: the padding.

Selecting padding isn’t about choosing the cheapest in stock. Not just any padding will do. You need to select one that works best with the type of carpet you install.

The purpose of carpet padding

How well your carpet performs in the years to come isn’t based entirely on the quality of carpet you install. It’s also determined by the padding.

Padding absorbs the impact of foot traffic. Without a high quality pad, the lifespan of your carpet is shortened. Padding is a shock absorber between the carpet and the subfloor. The more impact, the more damage is done.

Padding also muffles sounds, and adds a layer of thermal insulation. And that can be a big deal here in Colorado, especially on a cold winter’s night. Plus there’s something about digging your toes deep into a plush carpet on a cold morning. The softness just feels good, doesn’t it?

Padding can also protect your warranty. Some manufacturers actually require certain padding to maintain the warranty. If you don’t follow their guidelines, you might not have a warranty in place from the moment you install it.

Indentation testing and ranking

The purpose of padding is to take the abuse of foot traffic and give your carpet added protection throughout its lifespan. Manufacturers have set up ways to rate carpet cushion performance based on the density of the padding.

You might find rankings listed using a number of different terms:

  • Indentation load deflection – LDL
  • Indentation force deflection – IFD
  • Compression load deflection – CLD
  • Compression force deflection – CFD

Shop For Padding Along With Your CarpetAll of these and more have been used to describe the test method for evaluating carpet cushion.

Essentially, what these methods do is evaluate the limits of the padding. A sample is taken and fed into a machine that applies pressure to determine the firmness, stiffness, and load-bearing capacity of the sample itself.

While they all have the same goal, their methods vary. That means you can’t necessarily evaluate one product to the next easily. Firmness affects performance. A higher quality padding means more comfort and better performance. It also helps your carpet last longer, and keeps it looking newer throughout its lifespan.

Another look at carpet pad thickness

We live in a world where bigger is better. If something is larger, thicker, or more expensive, we automatically assume it’s the best.

Not so with carpet padding. Thicker padding isn’t always the best for your situation.

Most carpets on the market today call for a pad that is 7/16” in height. However, that isn’t always the case.

If you choose to install a Berber carpet, for example, manufacturers may suggest moving down in height size for the padding. A thicker pad can have too much give, and cause movement underneath the carpet. This can cause damage to the carpet.

This is another reason to visit our flooring store, where our job is based solely on education and ensuring you get the most from the flooring material you select. Saying “yes” to internet deals, or choosing something from a big box store will allow a salesperson to sell you on what they have in stock. It might not be what’s the best for what you’re selecting, which means your giving up lifespan almost from the start.

Understanding pad weight

We mentioned pad weight is important in the ranking process, but it deserves a little more attention.

Density is typically measured in pounds. When you shop for a pad, you’ll most likely see it listed somewhere between 3 and 10 pounds. Most manufacturers suggest an 8 pound pad for best results. This gives structure and firmness underneath your carpet, and ensures wearability throughout the life of your carpet.

Padding weight will also change based on the type of padding you select.

  • Foam – is usually between 2 to 5 pounds
  • Frothed foam – 12 pounds or more for maximum durability
  • Rebond – you’ll find it in the 5 to 10 pound range, but go with 6 or greater for maximum durability
  • Memory foam – this comes with higher densities in the 18 to 22 range
  • Synthetic – you’ll often find this rated in ounces instead of pounds. 40 ounces, would be right at 7 pounds
  • Waffle rubber – this also is listed in ounces, many dealers prefer 90 ounces or more for maximum performance

Which padding material is for you?

Let’s look at each of the different types of carpet padding and discuss their pros and cons.

Foam pad – foam padding is at the bottom of the list. It’s often the least expensive, and you’ll likely find this included on deals – if a dealer offers free padding, this is most likely what you’ll get. This product breaks down quickly, and most likely won’t last more than 3 to 5 years. This can be good for temporary solutions, but for any longevity, it’s better to move into a higher quality pad.

Frothed foam – what separates frothed foam from standard foam padding is the way it’s manufactured. Foam has gas added to the mixture, which can create air pockets. Frothed foam is a much sturdier pad, and can and will last the life of any carpet you choose. It’s also at the other end of the cost spectrum, however, being one of the most expensive pads on the market.

Rebond – rebond is one of the most popular pads because it’s in the middle of effectiveness and price. You’ll find this handles well in many situations, without adding too much cost to your overall purchase. Pay attention to the warranty of the carpet you select, however, because not all carpets allow rebond padding to be placed underneath.

Memory foam – you are probably familiar with the way this feels from purchasing a mattress for your bed. It can be a great pad choice for longevity and standing up well in high traffic situations. Yet be careful with quality. Memory foam squishes down. Over time, that can impact the performance of your carpet. Be sure the two work well together before you invest in this type of padding.

Synthetic – synthetic pads are fibrous and aren’t very spongy. That makes these a good choice for Berber carpets and other natural fibers. Consider synthetic pads if your warranty directs you to this option.

Waffle rubber – this offers similar durability as rebond, but can be higher priced. It performs in a similar manner to rebond padding.

What other questions do you have about carpet padding?

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What Flooring Adds The Most Value To Your Home?

When you’re planning to sell your home, a lot of things go through your mind. You might be excited about the new property you’re purchasing, but you can’t forget to make your current home look its best.

So you slap on a new coat of paint. You fix the dripping faucet that’s leaked for months. You box up a few of your belongings to try and give it a clean look. But is it enough?

Take a second look at your flooring – it’s one of the most important features a new homeowner will look for. It makes a big impression from the moment they walk through the door.

Is the hardwood dull and scuffed? Is the carpet filled with stains? Does the vinyl look like it’s been there since 1982?

Why People Move

According to a study put out by the National Association of Realtors Research Group, 35 percent of US homeowners prefer to move to a new space rather than remodeling the one they’re living in. Think that number has risen as we adjust to our lives beyond COVID? We’re seeing movement everywhere as people relocate and find new places to call home.

When they walk into a home for the first time, curb appeal is everything. Some won’t even walk through the front door if it doesn’t “feel right” as they drive up. Once inside, modernization matters. Do they like what they see? Or do they start adding projects to their improvement lists? The closer the two meet, the more likely they’ll put a bid in on your property.

What People Want 

What Flooring Adds The Most Value To Your Home?It should come as no surprise that when people enter a home, hardwood flooring will tick one of the first boxes off their list. Hardwood flooring has been in demand for years, and will continue to be there for years to come.

However, it’s not as simple as that anymore. Buyers like hardwood, but they also pay attention to functionality. Sometimes hardwood just doesn’t make sense. And that’s when buyers look for flow.

Have you ever walked through a house where there are different flooring choices in every room? You move from hardwood to tile to carpet, with vinyl thrown in for good measure. The transitions are all wrong. The colors don’t even match. It’s a hodgepodge mess. It just doesn’t work.

People want transition. They want a solid look throughout the home. They love to see hardwood in the main areas, including stairways and hallways. But if there’s carpet in the bedrooms? That’s okay. Consistency matters most. It has to make sense to how they see their lives operating if they were to move in.

And the worst thing you can have is two different hardwoods touching. If you installed hardwood in one room with hopes of adding on slowly, beware of how it looks as it moves from each section on. Again, it’s the puzzle piece layout that leaves a potential buyer with dreams of ripping it up.

Hardwood Flooring – Lots of Options

If you’re remodeling your home with the hopes of increasing resale value, it’s also important to pay attention to your market.

If you’re at the high end of the luxury market, you can better believe buyers will be looking for top of the line hardwood. Think exotic wood would turn a buyer’s head? There’s nothing like adding a product that’s hard to find into the mix, to help make the home unique and one of a kind.

If you do choose to install exotic hardwood, just be sure you do so in a sustainable way. Reputable suppliers will practice responsible and sustainable production, and will be aligned with organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council to ensure it remains environmentally friendly.

Another option may be to choose hand scraped hardwood flooring. This provides hand scraped planks that provide a retro or vintage look. Each plank will have its own unique look. When combined, it creates a look that many luxury homebuyers yearn for.

Not every home sits firmly in the luxury marketplace. That doesn’t mean there aren’t high quality products that give you beautiful results.

Luxury vinyl tile is one of the hottest flooring trends to come along. Maybe it’s because it’s easy to clean, easy to maintain, and offers you a waterproof flooring option you won’t find with traditional hardwood.

We think it’s also because of its good looks. Thanks to modern technology, today’s luxury vinyl tiles look so close to the real thing, even experts have taken a second look. They imitate some of the most popular flooring choices on the market, from exotic wood to stone flooring. You can find color choices at all ends of the spectrum. Want a wood floor as close to black as you can get? You’ll find it. Looking for a whitewash to brighten up your home? You’ll find that too.

Luxury vinyl tile offers a lot of what hardwood does, only it adds the waterproof part in it too. Plus you’ll find luxury vinyl tile is softer and warmer on the feed than traditional tile, and it’s slip resistant as well. You can install it in the bathroom and never give it another thought. Try that with exotic wood.

Your Flooring Should Make Sense

If you’re remodeling with the hopes of adding value to your property, you’re looking at it through your wallet. How can you improve the looks for as little hit to your budget as possible?

But a homebuyer looks at it as home. They want to move in and not have to think about flooring for a very long time.

Whether you’re thinking of installing carpet in the bedrooms or exotic hardwood throughout, the important part is creating a place that someone will want to call home.

Consistency is the first key. Don’t install new flooring in a couple of rooms because that’s all you can afford. Work within your budget restraints to choose a flooring that will give you results. It would be much more beneficial to select a lower grade material and refinish the entire home, then to install a higher quality in one or two rooms.

Second is quality. People look for options in a home that ensure they can move in and live with it for years to come. When in doubt, stick with neutral. This isn’t a choice for your home – this is about resale. And a homebuyer will be much happier with a clean, finished look that can look good no matter what their decor.

Carefully consider your options before making your final choice. While there isn’t one strategy that’s best, the right choice could make your home easier to sell, and bring in more money on the final offer as well.

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Is This The Year You Install Tile Flooring?

If you’ve ever picked up a tile and had thoughts of visiting your local pottery shop, there’s a reason for that. Most tiles you lay in your home are made from ceramic clay.

Visit a history museum and you’re likely to find tiles from bygone eras. The Chinese created tiles with stunning images painted on each individual tile. This art moved around the globe as trade developed and moved throughout the world.

Tile goes back in time at least 25,000 years. Romans made using clay tiles popular as a roofing option, while the Egyptians loved a white glass tile to adorn their homes.

https://www.thevictorianemporium.com/publications/history/article/history_of_tiles

Of course, there are very good reasons why tile flooring remains ever-popular for many uses inside the home. If you guessed “longevity” to be one of them, you’re correct. If people have been using them for centuries, there’s a good reason for that. It may be the deciding factor for you to install tile flooring in your own home.

Tile works well in many places in your home

Is This The Year You Install Tile Flooring?One of the best reasons to consider tile is because it’s functional everywhere. Install it in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, even the family room, and you’re going to love the results. That’s because it’s one of the easiest flooring materials to maintain. When installed correctly, it can last for decades. And cleaning it means nothing more than an occasional mopping.

What’s more, you can make your home unique – tile comes in unlimited design potentials, including different colors, patterns, and styles. If you don’t like what you see, create it yourself. By combining different tiles together, you can weave a pattern that is uniquely your own.

Tile also works well starting on the floor, and moving up to the walls, countertops, backsplashes, and more. Some of the most gorgeous bathrooms and laundry rooms we’ve seen incorporate tile in a variety of ways.

Need inspiration? What better way to find it than with a search online. Create a pinboard on Pinterest, and let your imagination go wild. Pin all the sites and photographs you find that motivate you into action. Then when you visit with one of our design consultants, we’ll have a better understanding of what you’re looking for.

Tile is easy to maintain

In today’s world, we have a lot going on in our daily lives. Especially here in the Rocky Mountains, we love being able to come and go throughout the day, enjoying everything the great outdoors has to offer. Of course, that can mean tracking in mud, snow, slush, and other contaminants on any given day. And not all flooring choices are cut out for that amount of abuse.

Tile flooring makes cleanup easy. What’s more, it won’t stain and leave telltale signs of your outside life once you’re inside and ready to relax.

Because it’s a hard surface area, it needs an occasional sweeping to wipe away the dust bunnies and other loose debris. Spot clean as you spill, with an occasional mopping to ensure the entire surface stays clean. Depending on the color of your grout, you might need deeper cleaning with a brush between the tiles to ensure a uniform look.

If you spend a little bit of time keeping the surface clean throughout the year, it’ll mean less wear and tear over time. Clean grout holds its integrity, meaning you’ll have less chance of stains. It’ll also mean you notice when the grout is compromised, which can potentially allow water to seep underneath. Hairline cracks can allow moisture to penetrate down underneath the tile, and start to destroy the integrity of your flooring. Jump quickly, fix problem areas, and you’ll have a floor that’ll last for years.

Tile is great for the DIYer

Want to install the flooring yourself? Tile is one of the most forgiving flooring choices you can make. With small tiles, you can lay them into place, and learn as you go.

Of course, having tile in your home means you can have different levels of DIY projects. Allow a professional to install it the first time. Then keep a handful of tiles on hand for fixing as you encounter problems with individual tiles. Drop a pan and crack a tile? With a little elbow grease, you can lay the new tile into place – and keep your floors looking fresh longer.

Tile is great for keeping your home cool … and warm

When most people think of installing tile, they consider it to be a way to keep the home cool. That’s why you find tile flooring in homes across the southern US. But when temperatures dip well below freezing, many Coloradoans want warmer flooring – something you won’t get from tiles.

Or will you?

Tile is one of the best flooring choices to lay in place over radiant heating. That means your home will feel warm from the bottom up. Imagine walking on floors that are warm to the touch. How would that feel jumping out of bed in the morning?

Of course, you’ll also love the feel in the heat of the summer, when the temperatures climb over one-hundred degrees. We think that’s what makes tile flooring so versatile – and a great choice here in Colorado. What better way to cut down on your air conditioning use than to create an environment conducive to staying cool?

Tile can be a cost effective way to create a great living environment

Using tile for your flooring can save you money. It’s one of the few flooring choices that can last for decades, meaning you’ll have fewer replacement costs over time.

And considering its cost fluctuates from low to high, you can find a great look at a price that fits your budget. If you have an idea, one of our associates can help you find something to suit your needs and desires.

We also like the fact that with tile flooring, one mistake won’t cost you your entire floor. With a few extra tiles on hand, you can easily replace cracked, broken, or stained tiles easily and without a lot of fuss. This can add years to the life of your flooring.

So what’s your desire with your tile flooring? What look do you have in mind? We can help you achieve it, and have it installed in no time.

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3 Of The Most Popular Flooring Choices For Remodeling

What will 2021 bring? It’s a question a lot of us are asking daily.

If your thoughts have turned towards remodeling, you’re not alone. According to one study on remodeling, spending increased for the third quarter of 2020 by 9 percent, with a prediction for continued growth in the coming year.

Why? There are many reasons for the sudden uptick in remodeling projects.

To improve functionality – after spending 24/7 in our homes for the last year, a lot of us have paid attention to the bad setups and wasted space. We need rooms that suit our needs. We need private office space that allows for Zoom calls and video conferencing. We need space for each kid to attend classes live each day. We need space to work, space to play, and a sense of functionality for every aspect of who we are as a family.

3 Of The Most Popular Flooring Choices For RemodelingTo increase modernity – while you might have lived with poorly designed spaces and old appliances before, their inefficiencies have now been called out. You’re cooking from home more than ever before. The gym is now a room that sees daily activity. Why not have a sauna in your master bath? Why not make your dreams a reality?

To increase energy and water savings – you can’t help but think about the money running down the drain, especially as each family member takes a little longer in the shower because they have the time. Upgrading poor performing appliances can instantly increase your savings on monthly utility bills. It can also open up space you never had before – a tankless water heater, for example, can be installed by the bathrooms and leave ample space for that wine cellar you’ve added to your wish list.

To boost your home’s value – maybe you aren’t planning a major move … yet. But you’re weighing your options, and you know you’re open to new opportunities. Why not upgrade the kitchen or bath now, and have your home in showroom quality before you list it for sale? According to a survey by Realtor Magazine, 80 percent of homebuyers placed the kitchen as one of the three most important spaces that will make or break a potential sale. Homeowners can recoup as much as 81 percent of the remodel cost, which should give you the motivation you need to dive into your home remodeling project now.

Now that you’ve made up your mind to start your remodeling project, it’s time to start thinking of the basics. Your floors are the largest surface area inside your home. Floors set the foundation for the space, and balance your style and your needs carefully.

While you can repaint your walls if you hate the color fairly easily, your flooring choice is something you’ll probably have to live with for years. How do you ensure your flooring choices for your remodeling project is something you’ll love?

We’ve been tracking what homeowners want. People want flooring that’s flexible, easy to live with, easy to maintain, and looks great now and for years to come. If you’re looking for new flooring that meets all of those requirements and more, consider these flooring options for your remodeling project.

Luxury Vinyl Tile – LVT

Luxury vinyl tile has become one of the most popular products on the marketplace for good reason. It’s waterproof, low maintenance, resilient to anything your family can dish out, and looks great too.

What is drawing people to installing LVT is its classic good looks. If hardwood has been on your radar for years, but you could never see yourself living with it, LVT may be your solution. LVT is designed to replicate the look of the most loved products on the market. Want hardwood planks without having to worry about warping from spills or water damage? Give luxury vinyl tile a look.

If you’re looking to take on some of the remodeling projects yourself, there’s another reason to look at LVT. It’s perfect for the DIYer who wants to save a little money on installation costs. The click and lock systems provided by the top manufacturers make installation a snap.

The biggest draw to LVT flooring is its durability and ease of maintenance. LVT is waterproof – yes, waterproof. While nothing is going to withstand flooding, standing in several feet of water for hours – days – on end, LVT can withstand all the day-to-day living your family dishes out. If your child overfills the tub and doesn’t tell you, you won’t have to worry about the outcome. If you have daily messes in the kitchen, that’s not a problem. Simply wipe it up and continue on with your day.

Hardwood

Maybe you’re weighing your options for new flooring for your remodeling project, and hardwood stays at the top of your list. You’ve wanted hardwood for as long as you can remember, and nothing else will do.

Then install hardwood and be happy with your choice. It’s still at the top of homeowners’ wish lists. Its classic design makes it something you can live with for years. What’s more, with today’s technology and options, there’s a hardwood that suits your needs.

Want traditional hardwood? A classic oak may suit your needs.

Want something more durable? Check out engineered hardwood, made from various layers to give you a more scratch-resistant, durable hardwood flooring option.

No matter what you have in mind, today’s manufacturers can offer you just the style, color, and design you’re looking for. You’ll be pleased with your purchase and love the look as soon as you place it in your home.

Carpet

Are you still dreaming of a plush carpet you can dig your toes into? Do you love the warmth of carpeting in the bedrooms, and have visions of it installed in your new home office? Well you’re in luck; it still tops the list of what homeowners are installing in their remodeling projects.

If you’ve had concerns about installing carpet, put your mind at ease. Manufacturers listen to what homeowners once, and they’ve delivered by producing a variety of lines that people love.

If going green is your thing, check out natural carpet. Wool carpet is plush, warm, comfortable, and offers natural qualities that can suit any homeowner looking for eco-friendly options.

Want stain resistance? You’ll be amazed at what’s on the market today. Your carpet will have natural stain fighters that pull the most common stains away from the fiber, making it easier to clean. That leaves your carpets looking nicer, longer.

What’s your remodeling dream?

No matter what your dream home looks like, the best place to start is at the bottom. New flooring for your remodeling project will set the stage for any design you’re looking for.

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Change The Look Of Your Home With A New Area Rug

Here in Colorado, homeowners often have a one track mind: hardwood.

We love hardwood and we want it everywhere.

So we install it on the main floor, in every bedroom, even in the basement. It might take time to transition from using traditional hardwood to things like luxury vinyl planks that match and complement one another, but we get it done. And when you finally see the results, you’re more than happy. You love the look you’ve created, and you’re excited to start decorating.

Hardwood provides a wonderful base for any type of decor. Want light and breezy? Prefer country charm? Want minimalistic and modern? Hardwood can set the stage for each of these settings and look great in the process.

Yet once you get all of your hardwood floors installed and start to look around, you may discover you want a little softening in each room. That’s where a new area rug can add functionality and charm.

Let’s start by talking size and shape 

It won’t take you very long to discover that area rugs come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Want something small for your kitchen or mudroom? Not a problem. Want something that fits your dining room, complete with a large table that seats sixteen? You can find an area rug to suit your needs there too.

Change The Look Of Your Home With A New Area RugBefore you start to shop, it’s a good idea to measure your space and decide where you want your area rug to lie before you start settling in on ideas. You can measure and then do a quick search to find out what is available – will you have to order a custom rug, or will a standard size fit into place?

There isn’t a standard guideline for how to fit a new area rug into your home, but there are some general rules you can follow.

Tend to move towards a larger rug than settling for a smaller one. A larger one will make your space look larger, and provide more comfort as you go about day to day living. Smaller ones can leave you feeling shorted, which can be a major issue if you move furniture regularly, such as in the dining room.

It is important to take the size and shape of the room into consideration before you finalize your decision. As much as you love a circular rug, if you’re trying to fit it into a rectangular shaped kitchen space, it’s going to throw your entire decor off. An area rug should mimic the shape of the space, and work to bring cohesiveness throughout the room.

The area rug should fit all of your furniture comfortably without leaving random pieces of furniture hanging off to the side. Leave at least eighteen inches from the baseboard of the room to the area rug. If you do choose a smaller rug than what your furniture demands, ensure cohesiveness by placing the front legs of the sofa on it, for example, to tie everything together.

Think big or small. Either select an area rug that allows all of your furniture to be placed on it, or go small and use it as placement pieces. Runners on the sides of the bed can add a pop of color to a bedroom without requiring you to invest in a large area rug that fits the dimensions of the room.

While there are many different ways to incorporate a new area rug into your home, the key is making it work with your belongings. We often encourage homeowners to visit their favorite decor sites, start a pinboard on Pinterest to save their favorites, and choose a look to mimic in their own homes. This gives you an ever-important starting point for looking for something for your own home.

Color and style are equally important

Have you ever visited your favorite store and found the perfect accent for your home? You love the color and can’t wait to bring it home?

While you can easily change out a vase or even a comforter for your bed, it’s more difficult with something as large as an area rug for your floors. That makes the task of choosing color and style that much more daunting – do you go with the bright patterns you love? Or stick with subdued so you know you won’t grow tired of it in the long run?

Many homeowners stick with a neutral color palette, afraid to go “too wild”. Yet bolder colors can make your room feel alive, motivating you, even giving you more energy each day as you step into the room.

Every year Pantone sets a color of the year to help designers set what is popular. This year the colors are Ultimate Gray and Illuminating. Pantone defines these colors as the union of an enduring gray with a vibrant yellow that sends the message of positivity. It’s a color combination that gives resilience and hope.

Have more subdued furniture in a living room? A gray couch, neutral chairs, even earth tone window coverings? Maybe a pop of color in your living room area rug is just what you need.

If you’re nervous about moving forward with color or a certain style that may seem a bit too “wild” for what you’re used to, work with one of our consultants who can help put your mind at ease. Take the time necessary to ensure you’re happy with your final selection.

The most important thing about area rugs that most people forget

It’s easy to get caught up in the looks, color, and style. After all, that’s what you’ll be living with for the foreseeable future.

However, equally important is the backing material, and how you clean your new area rug.

If you select an inexpensive area rug made from natural fibers such as sisal or jute, there is little you can do with a spill. A dropped bottle of your favorite merlot may be a perfect recipe for requiring you to purchase a new rug.

Also pay attention to the backing. Is it anti-slip? Does it provide a cushion for support? There are many choices, not all of which are necessary in every room in your home. But it is important to understand the properties and what it will give you overall.

Are you ready to install a new area rug in your home? Whatever your desires, we can help you select the right one for your needs. 

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Cork Flooring – An Eco-Friendly Flooring Solution

Want a new flooring material in your home? Want something that says “notice me” while at the same time offers durability?

Maybe it’s time to give cork flooring a second look.

We love cork flooring for so many reasons. But one of the top is its eco-friendly qualities. If you have a goal of making your home greener this year, cork flooring is the perfect step to take.

Instead of using a product that takes decades to harvest like hardwood, cork is taken directly from the bark of the cork tree. It is sheared off in layers, allowing the tree to continue growing and producing over the years. Very little goes to waste.

And because it’s a natural product, it also creates a healthier living environment. It resists mold and mildew, meaning it won’t harbor allergies like other flooring materials may do.

While cork may not be on the same purchasing level as traditional hardwood, it is an excellent option for homeowners who are looking for something different.

Does this sound like you? Then let’s dive deeper into the reasons why it may be perfect for you.

People love the way cork feels

You probably have a lot of experience with cork – it’s been used in many ways throughout time. One of the most popular uses is with wine bottles – wiggle the cork out to gain access to what’s inside.

A wine cork is soft and flexible. You might also notice it stains easily, taking on the red tones from your favorite merlot or syrah.

Or how about the bulletin board you used as a kid. Remember pushing pins in to hold up your favorite mementos? The cork didn’t last long, did it?

Cork Flooring - An Eco-Friendly Flooring SolutionDon’t worry; cork flooring is nothing like your memories of cork. It’s manufactured to be a flooring that stands up well under pressure while maintaining its softness to your feet. Do you stand for lengthy periods? Are you tired of how tile or hardwood feels over time? Cork flooring may be your solution.

Homeowners also love it because the softness also creates an environment with noise reduction too. It’s a quiet floor, one that won’t sound hollow as someone walks on it. It won’t creak over time. And that can be beneficial if you share home office space, or have babies or small children trying to nap.

People love cork flooring for its warmth

One of the reasons tile isn’t as popular here in Colorado as it is in states with warmer temperatures is because of our cold winters. Stepping on a cold tile when it’s zero outside can be a little intimidating.

You’ll never find cork flooring to be anything but warm. That’s because cork is a natural insulator, one that protects against both heat and cold. You’ll find it comfortable in your living space no matter what the temperature is outside.

Cork is also a natural insulator against noise. Have a home office where you produce podcasts and videos? Cork floors may be a perfect addition to help create the perfect backdrop.

People love cork flooring because it’s non-slip

The softness factor of cork flooring also gives in a natural grip. That makes it a safer flooring product than things like tile or even LVT.

While cork is water resistant, it still needs to have proper sealant installed if you’re using it in places prone to moisture, such as the kitchen or bathroom. Be sure to speak with one of our consultants about what you can expect before you install it.

People love cork flooring because it’s hypoallergenic

Do you or a family member struggle with allergies or asthma related symptoms? You might be remodeling your home to make it a healthier place to live. Cork flooring may be the perfect choice to suit your needs.

Cork contains microbial properties that make it resistant to mold and mildew. It also repels dirt, dust, dander, and other contaminants better than other flooring choices. Simply wipe them away.

If you are worried about volatile organic compounds – VOCs – in the products you choose for your home, cork is a great addition to help improve the air quality. Just be sure to pay attention to the manufacturer you select, and that they’ve received proper certification. Look for things like FloorScore or GreenGuard Gold certification to ensure the manufacturer created a product that is truly beneficial for the environment.

People love cork flooring because it’s durable

It’s worth stressing that cork flooring is a durable flooring product you’ll love for virtually any room in your home.

Cork lies somewhere between carpet and hardwood. It’s not as soft as carpet, but it’s more comfortable underfoot than hardwood.

The biggest enemy of cork can be sand and rocks. If these tiny particles aren’t swept away, they can dig in and grind cork away. But there’s an easy solution; place mats at the door to remove most of the grit from outside off your feet before you come in. Better yet, make your home a shoe-free zone and add extra protection.

Heavy furniture can also create dents. Those tiny legs on chairs and sofas can sink deep into the cork and leave a mark. Use coasters to spread the weight out, and consider shifting your furniture slightly from time to time to avoid pockmarks.

People love cork flooring because it can be refinished

There are many flooring choices that are a one time use. That’s why many turn to hardwood because you can refinish the surface multiple times.

If that has been one of your key reasons for looking at hardwood, give cork another look. Solid cork can also be sanded and restained. The trick is using a palm sander and a fine grit sandpaper. You don’t want to take any more than just the surface of the flooring.

This doesn’t apply to a cork veneer or composite – you can’t sand it when it’s built out of multiple layers. You’ll damage the flooring and have to replace it.

If this is something that motivates you, be sure to speak with one of our representatives about finding the perfect cork floor for your needs.

Is cork flooring in your future?

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3 Benefits For Choosing Eco-Friendly Flooring For Your Remodeling Project

Thinking of remodeling your home this year? You’re not alone.

According to one report, home renovation is at an all-time high. Nearly half of all homeowners are living in their first purchased home. And when they’ve lived there six years or more, 61 percent of them opt for remodeling a portion of their home in some way.

Why are homeowners thinking now is the perfect time for a remodel? The pandemic tops the list.

For the first time, many homeowners are seeing their homes in a different light. While they may have been running from activity to activity before, spending very little of their waking time at home, things have changed. Today people work from home, attend school from home, even take part in their favorite activities all from the comfort of their homes.

But what if that home isn’t as comfortable as you remember? What if you simply don’t have room for everything you do each day? You need better function. You need more flexible space.

What better time to do that than right now?

3 Benefits For Choosing Eco-Friendly Flooring For Your Remodeling ProjectBut there’s another consideration you should pay attention to: the health of your home.

You don’t want to bring in just any building material. After the past year, you now understand just how important your health is.

As you’re building the base for your new space, pay attention to every material you bring through your door. And start it out by choosing eco-friendly flooring that looks great, wears well, and improves your living conditions too.

Eco-friendly flooring is better for the environment

To truly understand how your flooring impacts the environment, you have to start at the point of origination. Where does your flooring material come from? How was it created?

Some flooring is created in a lab, made from all kinds of chemicals and products designed for specific reasons. Plastics can add strength and durability. Binders and adhesives can add to that strength and add longevity.

Yet just because they exist and we have them available to us, doesn’t make them good for the environment.

If you are specifically looking for environmentally friendly flooring products, pay attention to the specifics of how it was made.

Bamboo flooring, for example, is a hard, durable flooring material designed to give you the same appearance as hardwood floors. But bamboo is different from hardwood. Instead of taking decades for harvest, bamboo can be harvested in just a few years. Bamboo is a grass that grows extremely fast, and is woven together to add to its strength and durability. If you looked at bamboo years ago and were leery of its strength, look again. Today’s bamboo is a welcome addition to any home, and may be the perfect choice for your remodeled space.

Of course, bamboo isn’t the only option. How about linoleum? Yes, linoleum has been around for decades, and many homeowners don’t even think to look at this eco-friendly product. But combined with today’s technology has made it a wonderful choice for some rooms in your home. Linoleum is made from tree resin, linseed oil, cork dust, bits of wood, limestone, and pigments. It’s pressed together to make a natural flooring product perfect for some areas of your home. If you’ve wanted a flooring that’s easy to clean, and provides water-resistant benefits, linoleum might be your choice.

Want other options? Look no further than cork. This environmentally friendly material comes from thin layers of a cork tree. To harvest cork, workers sheer off a thin layer of cork, leaving the tree intact. The tree continues growing and can produce multiple layers of cork throughout its life. While most people are leery of cork in the beginning, with pictures of wine corks and bulletin boards floating in their minds, you’ll find cork flooring much different than other types of cork you have around your home. Manufacturers use a process to make cork hard enough to be installed in your home, and wear well under pressure. It has give that hardwood and tile won’t have, yet offers durability that can last for many years to come.

Of course, when you want to install eco-friendly flooring, look beyond the flooring itself to ensure you’re getting what you truly want. Cork floor may seem like a great choice, but if it’s harvested in less than stellar ways, you’re really not getting what you paid for. Look for certifications that ensure it’s an eco-friendly product. Things like Green Label Plus or Forest Stewardship Council have all set up organizations to follow the entire process of the product, and ensure it meets guidelines along the way.

Eco-friendly flooring is better for your home

People usually select eco-friendly flooring for two reasons.

1. They want a product better for the environment.

2. They want a product better for the health of their family.

If you suffer from allergies, if you have a family member prone to asthma or other respiratory illnesses, you may be looking for ways to create a cleaner living environment. Eco-friendly flooring can help with that.

One of the greatest benefits of selecting eco-friendly flooring is the fact that they use fewer chemicals in the production process. Volatile organic compounds – VOCs – are gases that are released from certain types of building products. As they release into the environment, they produce a host of health issues, including headaches, sinus problems, and other respiratory issues. While manufacturers as a whole are working to lower VOCs, they are still higher in some types of flooring than others. Eco-friendly products will focus on creating a product that is environmentally friendly throughout the process, from harvesting to disposal at the end of its useful life.

Eco-friendly flooring is better for you

When you shop for new flooring, or start a remodeling project, what’s the first thing you consider before starting your search? Chances are it relates to your budget.

That’s where eco-friendly flooring can help once again.

Just because you have a budget to stick to doesn’t mean you have to select a flooring product that isn’t a sound investment. Some of the most eco-friendly flooring choices on the market today are also easy on the pocketbook.

Eco-friendly flooring is in demand. And because of that, a lot of manufacturers are producing a wide variety of options.

No matter what your budget is, or what desires you have for your final project outcome, there’s an eco-friendly option for you.

Stop by today – we can help you find the perfect choice to suit your needs.

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Hemp Flooring – Is It Right For You?

There’s a new flooring in town – hemp flooring is gaining in popularity.

Why? Because it’s a great product for homeowners who are looking for a sustainable, eco-friendly building material that helps make their home healthier too.

Where trees can take years to grow as a crop ready for harvesting to create hardwood flooring planks, hemp can go from seed to harvest in as little as 120 days. That makes it an incredible resource to use for creating building materials.

Yet hemp is something people are only starting to understand. While hemp flooring might not be as wildly popular as hardwood, we’re intrigued by the possibilities and wanted to share it with you. Let’s start with a little research into the industry.

The history of Hemp

Hemp is most commonly associated with the cannabis plant. When most people hear “hemp”, their mind slips back to their college days, and think of it being used for only one thing. Yet hemp is turning into a crop with many uses.

Hemp Flooring - Is It Right For You?As a nation, we’re starting to accept it as a crop. Under the USDA, the 2018 Farm Bill expanded protection for hemp cultivation throughout the country. It allows the transfer of hemp-derived products across state lines, and does not restrict the sale, transport, or possession of hemp-derived products, so long as the products themselves are consistent with the law.

While CBD related products may still have varying degrees of legality from state to state, other products – like building materials – can be sold anywhere.

How hemp flooring is made

Hemp flooring is designed to resemble hardwood, yet it’s a more sustainable product that isn’t hardwood at all.

The concept of having hardwood flooring created from other byproducts isn’t new. Homeowners are already in love with materials like bamboo, which is a grass-like product, and cork, which is made from the bark of a tree.

Hemp is just another way to use a natural product and give it a useful life inside our homes. If it can do it in a better way for our environment, and healthier for our bodies, why not?

Hemp flooring is manufactured by compressing dried hemp stalks into blocks using a soy-based binder. Extreme pressure is used to seal the stocks together into 4 foot planks. These blocks are pressed together using a hemp veneer pressed onto a plywood board. The result are boards resembling hardwood planks, with a tongue and groove application system.

What makes it eco-friendly is the process used for pressing the material together. The top finish of a hemp floorboard is made from a non-toxic liquid that solidifies quickly and doesn’t evaporate like other water-based products. That means only trace amounts are released into the ozone during processing.

The curing process is also more eco-friendly. To create the boards, manufacturers use UVA and UVB light, meaning it’s a formaldehyde-free, zero-VOC process that creates a durable top coat. This process also makes a floorboard that is as much as 25 percent harder than some of the most popular hardwoods on the market.

Let’s talk more about Hemp sustainability

Chances are, if you’re reading this, you care greatly about building a home from sustainable products. You’re trying to move towards carbon neutral living and want to do so in an efficient way.

People love hardwood because of its sustainability. Yes, you need to be aware of where the wood is sourced from, how it’s produced, and how it’s installed. But with adequate research, you can use hardwood like oak and feel good about your purchase.

Hemp can make that process even better.

As we’ve already mentioned, hemp grows much faster than an oak tree used as a crop. While an oak tree can take years to reach maturity, hemp moves from seed to harvest in as little as 120 days.

If you’re aware of your carbon footprint, it’s worth looking at hemp. According to one study, a plot of hemp absorbs four times more carbon as compared to a plot of trees the same size. Given that hemp can be harvested over and over again, this adds up over time. By the time a crop of hemp is harvested, one ton of hemp will have sequestered on average 1.62 tons of CO2.

While this article focuses on hemp flooring, it is also exciting to point out that flooring isn’t the only building material being targeted by the hemp industry. Insulation, particleboard, plaster, roofing materials, and finishing products such as caulking, sealants, varnishes, and paints are all utilizing the environmental benefits of using hemp as a base.

Strength and durability 

While homeowners and manufacturers alike are excited about the potential hemp brings to the market, sustainability isn’t enough if durability isn’t also a factor. Luckily, hemp flooring has that too.

Hemp flooring is designed to look and feel like oak. Even better, hemp flooring is engineered to be as much as 20 percent harder than traditional oak wood. Tests have shown hemp to have a hardness factor of more than 2,000 on the Janka scale, which gives it a similar quality as Brazilian Cherry.

Hemp can be cut, sanded, and stained just as you would any traditional hardwood. That makes it a perfect choice for every room you would install hardwood. It also makes it the perfect choice for other building projects such as facing, furniture, and molding. As always, be sure to test the product thoroughly in the space you desire before you use it in your home.

Are you ready to use hemp flooring in your home?

While it’s still considered a new product, and isn’t yet available on the mass market, it’s only a matter of time before you see it installed in a wide variety of places.

Because it won’t warp like hardwood, and doesn’t have to be designed while avoiding knots and other blemishes, there is a decrease in wood waste.

This is one building product that homeowners and designers alike are going to enjoy putting inside remodels and renovations.

The only question left is: will you be installing hemp flooring in your home?

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