What’s That Smell? It May Be Carpet Mold

You can smell it from the moment you walk through the doors.

It’s a strong unpleasant odor that can only be described as musty. You know instantly it’s worth more investigation.

Because if it is carpet mold growing inside your house, it can have long-lasting impact on your health. Headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea are only some of the symptoms you may experience.

Carpet mold can be difficult to determine. That’s because it doesn’t always start on top, with the fibers, in a place you can see for yourself. Instead, carpet mold often starts at the base, with the backing where it can’t be seen until it’s too late.

If you’re saying to yourself: “It can’t be in my house. I haven’t had a spill or a flood.” While that may be true, the problem with moisture is it can show up in many ways, including following along baseboards or wallboards, and moving to places where it can’t be seen.

What causes carpet mold growth?

It seems like an easy question. If water is present anywhere in your home, it can start the process of growing mold … right? Not necessarily so.

A study by the Carpet and Rug Institute has studied carpet mold extensively. They found that mold doesn’t start growing just because the humidity levels are rising. New or clean carpets will not support the growth of mold, even at elevated humidity rates. What does cause carpet mold, however, is the presence of dirt.

What’s That Smell? It May Be Carpet MoldThat’s because carpet isn’t just a random set of fibers put together and sold as carpet. Instead, padding, backing, fibers, and the process used to create them have all been perfected to make a product that does well in your home. It takes high moisture, high humidity, combined with a high soil level within the fibers of your carpet to turn it into carpet mold.

That makes a case for keeping your carpets clean. Vacuum regularly and have them cleaned periodically to ensure your carpets will continue to do well throughout its lifespan. That can be a good thing if you’re considering adding carpet to your basement, with a below-grade installation.

Is carpet mold dangerous?

If you keep your carpets clean enough, they will be highly resistant to mold. Mold only grows in perfect conditions, when moisture meets dirt. Carpet mold grows in two conditions:

  • The dirt contains mold spores
  • The dirt contains moisture

Your carpet has to have perfect conditions, the dirt and moisture have to combine in order to allow mold to occur. Because dirt is a hygroscopic material, it effectively means it attracts what it needs to thrive. It picks up moisture to allow it to continue to grow. That’s why it’s important to keep dirt at bay.

Once your carpet has mold, it can impact you in different ways. As pathogens are released, they can be inhaled, and impact your health.

Allergies – dust mites are filled with bacteria. They can float, get in your system by inhaling them, and cause a variety of irritations, including watery and itchy eyes, and sneezing.

Asthma – if you are prone to asthma and other respiratory conditions, carpet mold can exacerbate the situation. It can be a hotspot for everything from dust mites to mold, which can increase the conditions you are experiencing.

Mycotoxin – over time, carpets can continue to harbor mycotoxins, which work to further weaken your immune system. If left in place for too long, an abundance of mycotoxin can even lead to death.

Rashes and infections – how many people traipse through your house each day? Is your house the house where the kids play? Do your pets love to tug and play … after they’ve walked the neighborhood? With continuous foot traffic, dirt can easily make its way from outside to inside, and ultimately drop into your carpet. That can easily leave behind bacteria and other contaminants that can contribute to common skin irritations. If that rash won’t go away, if your feet itch and you’re not sure where it’s coming from, look no further than your carpet.

How do you prevent carpet mold?

Luckily, it’s not a difficult process to ensure carpet mold stays away from your home. If you have carpet in basements and other potentially problematic areas, keep a few things in mind.

Watch your humidity levels. Remember, carpet mold only occurs when the conditions are right. Keep a close eye on humidity levels to ensure they stay below 65 percent. You can do so by running a portable dehumidifier, or installing a whole house humidifier system to ensure a comfortable living space. Leave windows and doors open to prevent build up of humidity. And above all, stick to a regular cleaning schedule to avoid dirt accumulation.

Control inside temperatures. As temperatures climb, it can bring on a humid environment. Ensure temperatures stay below 80 degrees by using a portable or central air conditioner, and watching the humidity levels to ensure they stay low as well.

Clean your carpets. While carpet manufacturers won’t provide you with a detailed step by step plan, they will tell you regular vacuuming and professional cleanings are mandatory to keep warranties valid.

Choose synthetic. You have choices when it comes to the carpet you select. For below-grade rooms, it might be better to stick with inorganic or synthetic fibers such as nylon or olefin. They are created specifically to handle better in moisture-prone areas, and won’t attract potential problems as easily as organic fibers such as wool.

How do I know if carpet mold has set in? 

If you have an area in your home that is at higher risk, it’s important to inspect the entire area regularly. Things to watch for include:

Increased allergies or sickness – do you or a family member exhibit increased allergy symptoms that are otherwise unexplainable? Do you have symptoms that just won’t go away? It might be a sign of a problem.

Musty odors – does it smell funny when you walk into the room? Does the stale air linger day and night? It’s worth further investigation.

Damp carpet – any spill that sets for any length of time can lead to carpet mold.

Change in carpet color – walk through each room occasionally and pay attention to corners, along the wallboards, and other areas that may be hidden from view. Does the color or texture of the carpet change? It may be a sign of carpet mold underneath the fibers settling in.

If you believe carpet mold has settled in, it might be time to consider replacing it to give your house a clean slate. Whether you choose to replace it with new carpet, or explore other options – luxury vinyl planks are in high demand – we can help you select the right flooring for your home.

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It’s The Best Season To Install New Hardwood Flooring

People all across the Rocky Mountain region dream of having hardwood floors in their homes. They are one of the most popular flooring choices you can make.

Whether you’re renovating and selecting hardwood floors replacement, or are moving into a new home and are choosing your flooring material for the first time, hardwood flooring offers a versatile, natural appeal that can complement any decor.

They are always in fashion.

But here in Colorado, you have another thing to worry about during the installation process: weather. Summers can quickly escalate well above the 100-degree mark. Winters can easily drop below zero and keep falling. And in the spring and fall, extreme highs and lows can all occur on the same day.

While that can be tough on our human bodies, imagine what it does to the hardwood for your new flooring.

Hardwood isn’t forgiving like carpet or vinyl tiles. Hardwood planks are rigid when laid into place. Even though they are a living, natural material, the give they have is minimal at best.

Does a weather change impact how well hardwood flooring is laid into place?

The best time to install hardwood floors

It’s The Best Season To Install New Hardwood FlooringWinter, spring, summer, or fall? Which is the best season to install new hardwood floors?

Winter – winter seems like the perfect time to install new flooring. It’s dark, cold, with not much else to do. Why not redecorate, and spend the time you’re closed inside in a productive way?

Here in Colorado, winter is one of the driest times of the year. Winter naturally has less moisture than other seasons. On the coldest days, your furnace runs, and runs. That makes your living space dryer than any other time of the year. That lack of moisture leads to dryer skin and chapped lips. Now imagine what it will do to new hardwood. If wood isn’t acclimated correctly before installation, it can cause planks to dry out and crack or become distorted after installation. That can lead to costly repairs.

Another problem can be with the adhesives used to install hardwood planks. Most adhesives state they won’t work well in situations under 70 degrees. If your home is too cold, the glue won’t adhere to the planks correctly, meaning the hardwood can shift and move after installation.

Spring – spring here across the Rockies can also be a challenging time of year to install new hardwood flooring. During these few months of the year, temperatures can vary greatly, as well as how much moisture we receive. It can remain a colder, low humidity time of the year, or it can warm up and move straight to summer.

Both dry and wet conditions can be problematic for hardwood flooring. Low or high humidity levels can cause newly installed planks to swell, contract, and warp. Acclimation is key to ensuring your installation process goes well. Also, pay attention to the weather conditions when you install them.

Summer – once the summer is here, Colorado residents come out of hibernation. We move outside, prefer to do all kinds of activities outside, and determine what home projects to take on.

Summer seems like the perfect time for a new flooring installation. It’s easy to plan a staycation around your new addition – or head out of town altogether.

Yet the summer months can bring on the hottest days of the year. When your home regularly moves to 80 degrees and beyond, it can give your flooring adhesive a battle for bonding to the subfloor.

And if you happen to hit one of our endless rainy seasons, the increased moisture and humidity levels can play into how well your flooring is installed.

Fall – autumn is the perfect time of the year for all sorts of activities, including hardwood flooring installation. It tends to have the optimal mix of temperature and humidity levels for weeks at a time.

When you have extremes in heat, cold, or moisture, it can lead to various problems with newly installed planks, including cracking, warping, and cupping. Any damage will have to be repaired, which can be a costly endeavor so soon after your installation.

Here across the Front Range, autumn is usually temperate conditions with the lowest levels of moisture. You can leave your windows open, and enjoy the fresh air and breezes. That ideal climate makes it the perfect time for installing your new hardwood floors.

Pay attention to the type of hardwood installed

When you visit our store, you’ll find a wide array of choices, even when you know hardwood flooring tops your list. Hardwood flooring is available in strips, planks, and parquet. Strips come in three pre-established widths but a variety of thicknesses. Planks come in a variety of widths, while only two set thicknesses. Parquet are wooden slats held together to create geometric patterns.

You can select hardwood that is prefinished or unfinished. While prefinished adds ease to the installation – install it and you are done – unfinished gives you the advantage of selecting any finish you desire, and sealing it all in when you’re complete, including the spaces in between.

No matter what time of year, prepare the wood

While it’s important to be aware of the type of wood you select, how it will function in your home, and how you seal it into place, pay attention to the preparation process too. Wood is a natural substance that changes over time. If it’s shipped in from a location with higher humidity levels, it will need to acclimate to Colorado weather.

Before you install the planks into place, allow them to sit in your home for a few days to adjust to your environment. An indoor humidity level between 45 to 65 percent is best. Take them out of the packaging and lay them out where they’ll be installed for 5 to 7 days.

Are you thinking of remodeling your home? Want new floors in place? If you want new floors, ensure you select the best season to install hardwood flooring, and you’ll enjoy them for years to come.

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Synthetic vs Natural Carpet – What You Need To Know

When you start dreaming about your forever house, chances are you have some distinct thoughts that come to mind.

A gourmet kitchen? It’s a must.

A spa in the master bath? That’s on the wishlist too.

Maybe you’ve picked out the perfect colors – natural earth tones on the walls and floors mean you can use any color decor you choose.

Oh, and about the floors. You have thoughts about that too. Hardwood everywhere …

Hardwood is a popular choice here in Colorado. But if you’ve ever put your toes on a cold floor, you might be rethinking hardwood everywhere.

That’s where carpet comes back into play.

Carpeting is an excellent choice for many rooms in your home. In fact, the carpet and rug market is continuing to expand, expected to reach $138.44 billion in the next five years.

If you are thinking of installing carpet in your home, there are two distinct types of caret: synthetic or natural.

Synthetic vs Natural Carpet - What You Need To KnowSynthetic includes nylon, olefin, and polyester. Natural carpet fibers include wool.

Which is better for your home? Let’s look at each of their characteristics.

Synthetic carpet

When a carpet is crafted from synthetic fibers, it’s created from materials not found in nature. They are human-made from different chemical compounds, bound together to create a carpet that stands up in all kinds of situations. Many areas, including commercial applications, prefer these materials because they handle well in all sorts of situations.

Let’s look at the three broad categories of synthetic carpet available on the market today.

Nylon

Chances are if you’ve installed a synthetic carpet in your home, there’s a good chance it falls into the nylon carpet category. That’s because nylon is synonymous with durability. Nylon carpet is sold under a variety of different brand names. For example, Stainmaster shot to the top of the charts in the mid-1980s. Even today, Stainmaster carpets are known for their lifetime limited warranty protection against common things homeowners face daily, including food and beverage stains, pet stains, soiling, and static shock.

That makes nylon a great choice for every room in your home, but especially the well-used, high-traffic areas where you spend time as a family. It also resists moisture and dries out quickly, so it is a good choice if you’re refinishing basement living space.

Olefin

Olefin is also known as polypropylene. It is a synthetic carpet fiber frequently used for outdoor rugs or area carpet where moisture or mold might be a problem. It shines in moisture-prone areas, but it won’t perform as well under high-traffic pressure. That makes it a better choice for basements, where it receives little traffic.

Olefin is one of the most inexpensive carpet options on the market. But because it’s also one of the least durable, you should expect to replace it more often. One of the notable downsides of this material is its low melting point. That’s one of the reasons you should consider other options if fire risk is elevated in any way.

Polyester

Polyester carpet fibers are listed on the marketplace in a variety of ways. You might see it as PET, or PTT, which is short for Polytrimethylene Terephthalate. While polyester carpet cannot match the durability of nylon, it does hold color well. If you want a carpet rich in color, or with fade-resistance qualities, polyester may be just what you’re looking for.

For some homeowners, the reason they move to natural carpet options is to create a more sustainable living space. If you are trying to increase green living, you might consider polyester carpet too. Polyester fibers often come from recycled plastic bottles, do a little research if this is important to you. While natural fibers occur in nature, polyester fibers are factory-made. But because they can be created from recycled materials, it can be a win-win if you want green living space.

Natural carpet

Natural carpet consists of materials you’ll find growing in nature. Materials are selected for strength and durability before being processed into fibers. While natural carpet is in the minority for carpet on the marketplace today, they still have a place in the carpet world, depending on your needs and tastes.

While there are several commonly used natural fibers for carpets and rugs, wool is by far the most common, and is almost exclusively used for broadloom, or wall-to-wall carpet. Other natural fibers, such as sisal, cotton, and jute, are too weak for broadloom fibers. Instead, they are used for area rugs, to complement your surrounding area.

Synthetic vs natural carpet, what’s the difference?

After learning the differences between synthetic vs natural carpet fibers, are you still trying to make up your mind as to which is better for the rooms in your home? Synthetic and natural each have their own characteristics that make them appealing. Which are important to you?

Eco-friendliness

If decreasing your carbon footprint and creating a more sustainable living environment is important to you, you might be leaning towards natural fibers. In general, natural fibers are more environmentally friendly. That gives an edge towards natural fibers, wool carpets might be your choice.

Because of how synthetic carpets are made, they can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Natural fibers will not release VOCs, however, if they are attached to a synthetic backing, it is still possible for them to have VOCs. In all cases, check with the manufacturer to determine what your final carpet choice is created from.

Stain-resistance 

Synthetic fibers are naturally more stain-resistant. Because they are designed exclusively to thwart off potential stain-setting problems, the protective coating can be a great addition in busy households. Although wool has a natural protective barrier, once a stain penetrates that barrier, it can be almost impossible to remove the stain. For all that and more, it’s hard to beat the stain-resistance synthetic fibers offer.

Durability

This is the one area that is difficult to call a winner. Both synthetic and natural carpets are extremely durable and resilient to high-traffic situations. This is where it pays to understand your needs and speak with one of our sales representatives about your desires. We can help you make the right choice for your situation.

What’s the right choice for you, synthetic or natural carpet?

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Want New Carpet? Consider These Carpet Trends

What a difference a year makes.

If you were thinking about remodeling your home last year at this time, you had certain goals in mind. Remodeling that same room this year would bring on an entirely different set of rules.

Who would have thought you’d be working from home? And not just for a day or two here and there, but possibly permanently?

Even if you have a large home, it might be feeling a little smaller these days. You and your spouse both need office space. You need work areas for your kids to go to school. And divide it up so you can work and play, and not get tired of the decor. That’s a pretty tall order for any remodeling project.

All of that home time has you dreaming about new carpet. After all, carpet is something you can dig your toes into. That plush feel makes you sit back and say: ahhh. Plus, on the coldest day of the year, won’t it be better to have warmth all around you, rather than stepping out onto a cold floor? For all those reasons and more, carpet is trending right here in 2020.

Carpet can also help with noise reduction. If your spouse is closing a big deal, your kids are reading and solving problems, and you’re trying to talk to your boss, that echo rattling around your living space isn’t going to help anyone concentrate.

Carpet is a natural noise reducer. Sound is transmitted through vibrations in air molecules. If you have a lot of hard surface area, sound is reflected back into the space. But with carpet, the individual fibers, pile, tufts, and underlay all have different frequencies to absorb sound. Sound is muffled within the carpeting, and prevents it from moving back throughout the room.

Tests show carpeting alone can reduce noise by as much as 35 percent. With the right padding, it can reduce noise by 50 percent or more. That means every step you take, every piece of furniture you move, every dropped book won’t have the impact as if it fell to a hardwood or tile floor.

Another reason why carpet is cool again

Want New Carpet? Consider These Carpet TrendsMany homeowners associate hardwood with cleanliness. And that’s also a big deal right here in 2020.

Yet today’s carpets aren’t what was installed in your parents or grandparents home. Carpet companies have kept up with the times. They make carpeting easier than ever to stay clean and look its best. They create it with fewer chemicals, lower VOCs. That makes eco-friendly options. They are equally concerned about making their product lines sustainable and economically friendly.

Are you thinking carpet is a great choice for your home? We agree.

And if you take a look at the options, we know you’re going to find one that suits your needs perfectly. The latest carpet trends are perfectly created for today’s busy homeowner in mind.

Choosing the right color for your carpet

When homeowners first start thinking about adding new carpet into their homes, they gravitate towards neutral colors.

Neutral colors will never go out of style. They make it easy to decorate and incorporate any color you choose. They give you a base from which to plan. Whether you choose beige, grey, or cream, a neutral carpet can create a solid base to continue with your design.

However, that’s not your only choice. And in fact, you can create a richer, deeper experience by moving into color.

Pantone’s color of the year in 2020 is classic blue. It’s a timeless and enduring blue that blends well with everything. The executive director of the Pantone Color Institute says it best:

We are living in a time that requires trust and faith. … Classic Blue provides an anchoring foundation. … Classic Blue encourages us to look beyond the obvious to expand our thinking, challenging us to think more deeply, increase our perspective, and open the flow of communication.

Doesn’t that sound exactly like what we all need here in 2020? Classic blue might just be the perfect color for your home office, bedroom, guest room, or family space. Especially when the room is pulling double duty, acting as a school or office room as well as living space.

Carpet trends also include textures

When most homeowners think about carpet, they tend to go with a short pile reminiscent of what they see in commercial spaces, or a plusher, higher pile many install in their bedrooms. Carpet is all that and much more.

Carpet texture refers to how a carpet looks and feels. In general, carpet is either a low pile made from short, tight loops of fiber. Or a longer, cut loop fiber that creates a softer, fluffier look and feel.

Some carpets combine these two piles, or are created from cut loops all at different levels. This gives a ribbed or textured look that can add depth to your room’s decor.

This is where it comes down to understanding your needs and desires. High traffic areas do better with low maintenance designs. A lower pile is often lower maintenance, and retains its look and shape no matter how much you walk on it. Cut piles and higher piles tend to do better in lower traffic conditions where they don’t show footprints as much as other types of carpeting.

Of course, it still depends on your personal choices and what you desire for your home. If you have questions, we have answers. After years in the business, we have guided many homeowners into selecting the right carpet style for their homes.

Additional carpet trends for 2020

Carpet is carpet, right? Not exactly. Because manufacturers are always looking for fresh new ways to meet their customers’ demands, there are many different ways to bring softness, warmth, and color into your home with carpet.

  • Area rugs
  • Carpet tiles
  • Handmade rugs
  • Recycled carpet
  • Wall to wall carpet
  • Sustainable carpet
  • Waterproof carpet
  • And more

What are your cares? What are your concerns? What are you looking for in a home design? What do you wish your space would look like?

The good news is there is a carpet trend waiting for you, ready to help you make your space your own.

And we can help make it a reality. Give us a call today.

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Dark Floors or Light Floors, Which Is Best For Your Home?

If you want to change the look and feel of your home, where do you start?

While a new couch or even a new shade of paint can make a big difference, the best place to start is with your flooring. Flooring sets the tone for your entire living space. And depending on whether you select dark floors or light floors, it will create a canvas you can continue to play up.

What’s the best choice: dark floors or light floors? Luckily, there isn’t a right answer. No flooring is perfect, each has its pluses and minuses. Only you can decide what’s suitable for your family.

But, if you’re trying to decide between the two, we’re here to help. We can offer some friendly advice, to help you make the best decision for your situation. Start with a few questions:

  • What do I prefer, dark or light floors?
  • What is the style of my home?
  • Do I have a busy household that makes maintenance-free living a necessity?
  • Do I have pets that add to the equation?
  • How often will I have time to clean?
  • How big is my home? How open are my rooms?
  • What flooring choice will go best with my decor?

Even with simple questions like these, you might start seeing one choice pull away from the other.

Let’s compare cleaning

Nobody enjoys cleaning – wouldn’t you rather spend time with your family and friends? If that’s the case, there’s a distinct winner in which type of flooring you should choose.

Dark Floors or Light Floors, Which Is Best For Your Home?Light floors have a distinct advantage over dark. Light floors show less of the dirt on your floors than dark. If you have a large, messy household, light can help you conceal it longer.

If you still prefer dark floors, consider lightening the shade you choose. Satin finishes are also better known for showcasing dirt on the floor.

Of course, you can always just clean more. Make it a part of the family chores, and buy the appropriate tools so you can make cleaning a snap.

What about scratches?

If you’ve ever had hardwood flooring in your house, you know scratches are unavoidable. Its soft surface means that the more wear, the more you’ll have slight imperfections, dents, and scratches showing through the wood.

Yet dark hardwood tends to show scratches even more. This is because most hardwood species are lighter in color, and stained to achieve the dark wood look. When a scratch is placed on the surface, it takes away the dark pigment, allowing the lighter wood to shine through.

If you want dark floors, understand they will take more maintenance. Instead of pushing out the timeframe to refinish the color, with dark wood, it may need recoating every three to four years.

No matter what color finish you have, you can consider buying a stain marker. They make them in all kinds of colors, and help camouflage the scratch until you can refinish the entire floor. This is an easy way to mask imperfections and keep your floors looking good.

Are dark floors or light floors better for a small home?

In general, dark floors will make any space look a bit smaller, and light floors will make the space a bit bigger. However, there’s more to it than that. Color is often an optical illusion, and you can play with color on both the floors and walls to change the way a room looks and feels.

When you see layouts with dark floors, they tend to showcase well in larger homes or homes with open concept living. If you’re worried about your space being too enclosed, you can change up the look by adding in lighter colored walls, and increase the amount of overhead lighting. Don’t block out the natural light with heavy shades or drapes. Let the natural light flow in.

Let’s talk costs – is one more expensive than the other?

When you’re shopping for new hardwood floors, you’re going to find all colors across the various price points. No matter what color of stain you choose, there’s going to be a product for you to choose from.

That said, you should always focus on quality as it will help with both upkeep and maintenance down the road.

Costs also are determined by whether you install prefinished floors, or will be handling all of the finishing work after installation.

If you’re finishing on site, more natural colors are often easier and will be less expensive to stain. If you have a specific color, are trying to go with a gray or whitewash color, it can take more coats to achieve the desired results. It may also be more expensive for a specific type of polyurethane. Specific flooring often requires different coatings depending on traffic and use. Talk with one of our flooring specialists if you have specific concerns.

How to select the right color you’ll fall in love with

The world is now being driven by technology in every aspect of our daily lives, renovations included. Maybe you’ve found flooring in a magazine you love. Or maybe you’ve pinned a bunch of samples, and one color of flooring keeps surfacing again and again.

Yet when you see it in person, you’re just not sure it’s you.

It’s good to know that what you see in print or online isn’t always the way it appears in person.

It’s okay to like something online, and change your mind on it once you see it in person. Better yet, take a few selections home with you, and lay them out in your room. Which looks better with your design? Which makes you feel happier when you enter the room? Be sure to see it in all lighting conditions, morning, noon, and evening.

Bringing home samples can also help you choose undertones of a particular color. If you have red-toned furniture, it might not look right with yellower hardwood. After setting up one sample near your favorite sofa, you may settle on a color quickly.

And don’t forget, you can further change the impact of a room by adding an area rug. You can bring out the color of the hardwood, and blend it with your furniture.

Which is right for you: dark floors or light floors?

We can help you make a choice, install it, and love it for years.

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The Easiest Ways To Save Money On Your Hardwood Flooring

Homeowners often dream of adding hardwood flooring to their homes for good reason. It’s one of the best investments you can make, especially if you’re thinking about selling. It looks good. It wears great. It can add a touch of class to any living space.

But when you start to price hardwood for your home, it can send your dreams spiraling downward.

We’re not going to lie; hardwood flooring is expensive. Depending on your final selection, it can be one of the highest costs in your home renovation.

But what we often see is homeowners attempt to get the dream while taking shortcuts too. They find a “good deal” and think they’ll have a great quality flooring. That’s rarely the case.

If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

But there are still ways you can save on hardwood flooring, and love it for years to come. It doesn’t mean sacrificing in terms of quality or labor to get what you want.

A look at how much it costs for hardwood floors

The Easiest Ways To Save Money On Your Hardwood FlooringWhen people decide to install hardwood floors, they focus on the price of the hardwood. But there’s more to it than that. If you get an estimate on how much it will be to add hardwood flooring to different rooms in your home, it will contain several costs.

Materials – this is the one place where the homeowner has the most flexibility in controlling the costs. You can stick with a more standard hardwood and keep costs low. Or bump it up to an exotic species, and you’ll spend more. You can even move into engineered wood, where prices will vary widely, depending on the veneer top layer and the plywood underneath.

Labor – contractors typically charge for labor based on the square footage of the space they’ll be working in. They also charge based on the amount of work it takes to lay the flooring into place. Hardwood will take longer than engineered wood. You’ll also pay more if your space includes irregular shapes, or you’ll be combining it with other materials for a unique look.

Other –  there are always unexpected costs that can arise during the project. Is your subfloor in good shape, or do the contractors find a problem? Costs are always based on what they can see at the time of the estimate. If something else arises during the process, it’ll cost more in the process. Plus, there may be costs for removing old flooring and hauling it away.

All of that can make your estimate a little shocking when you finally receive it. If you see hardwood planks on an endstand at your local big box store for a low price, and your estimate jumps up the cost significantly compared to what you calculated, these reasons are why.

If you want to install new flooring, and have the desire to save where you can, getting a handful of estimates will result in a variety of different bids. Why is one so much higher or lower than the others? How do you compare and make a selection?

Ultimately, it comes down to the materials. Every installer will have virtually the same amount of labor. They’ll have the extra costs of removing materials and dealing with unseen problems. Which means where they control costs is the final product they sell to you.

That’s why this is where you should put your attention. Look at the species, plank size and width, whether it’s solid hardwood or an engineered variation. Look at manufacturers and warranties. Understand the quality of the product.

And if you aren’t sure about something, ask. A reputable dealer will provide you with an answer that makes sense.

The easiest ways to save on hardwood flooring

If you’re getting closer to narrowing your choices down and installing hardwood flooring, here are few things that will help you save money and get the best product at the same time.

Adjust your desire for type or grade of wood

If you come into our showroom floor with one specific type of hardwood flooring in mind, you won’t have choices. It’s better to come in with a concept, and ask for variations around it.

For example, maybe you want dark hardwood floors. One of our associates can give you a variety of options. They can show you the differences between solid and engineered, as well as differences in species and color. They can let you feel different grades of hardwood. They can even give you advice on what’s worked for other customers.

Not every homeowner is the same. Maybe you like a little color variation throughout the planks. Maybe a narrower plank suits your needs. If you come in with an open mind, we can give you a wider array of options.

Install the hardwood yourself

This might not be a perfect solution for everyone, but for some, it is an option. If you have experience in home building and are an experienced do-it-yourselfer, installing hardwood can cut your costs in adding a new floor. Just keep in mind that hardwood is one of the most challenging flooring choices to install and get it right.

It’s important that you get everything in correctly, or you risk breaking the warranty. We don’t recommend installing unfinished and attempt sanding and staining yourself.

But if your goal is a DIY project, there are still lots of options. Instead of a traditional wood floor, maybe you move to a floating floor with click-in-place technology.

There are always options depending on your desires.

Split the work into multiple projects

If you find that your budget doesn’t get you everything you desire, you can always adjust the scope of work now, and add in other rooms later.

The good thing about hardwood is it lasts for a very long time. You can start with rooms in your main living space now, and add the rest as you save up.

If you’re going to do this, it’s wise to talk with a flooring dealer who understands the industry. Choose hardwood that stands the test of time, and will be there when you’re ready to add it to your home. They can also help you budget and select wisely, so it makes the most sense to your living space. They can make the entire process efficient, helping you save even more money in the long run.

What next?

It’s time to make your choice. How will you save on hardwood flooring, and get the home you truly desire?

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Is It Time To Buy a Sisal or Jute Rug For Your Living Space?

Homeowners are spending more time at home than ever before. And when you spend hours shuffling from room to room, you start to notice the little details you’re missing.

Maybe it’s time to add new decor, something that makes your rooms feel homier.

Or maybe it’s time to get rid of the synthetic look, and select something more natural instead. Natural area rugs are growing in popularity for a good reason. It’s a great way to bring style and sustainability back into your modern home.

Both sisal and jute are eco friendly, sustainable, and biodegradable. We’ve seen them added into homes and bring on a country, minimalist, or even modern look, one that has homeowners raving about it for years.

There’s just something about bringing natural fibers into your home. And both sisal and jute rugs can do the job quite nicely.

Yet before adding a sisal or jute rug into your home, it’s important to understand the differences. They may have a similar appearance, but they are distinctly different in durability, softness, and texture.

What is sisal?

Have you ever toured the tequila farms in Mexico? Sisal is created from the agave leaves used in tequila production. The leaves are spun into a yarn-like material, and then weaved into fibers, rope, and twine. If you have a natural scratching post for your cat, in many cases, it’s made from sisal.

Sisal isn’t soft, but has a more coarse texture. It’s one of the strongest fibers you’ll find in nature, which is why they’re perfect for the busiest place in your home. Use sisal in entryways, hallways, and stair steps, and you’ll have a long-lasting effect.

Sisal fibers are woven together, bound by a cotton canvas that helps continue sustainability. You’ll usually find it sticking close to nature, with colors ranging from cream, wheat, beige, and greys. Sisal does hold pigment better than jute, so that the occasional color may be mixed in.

Because of the rough texture, they are not well-suited for areas where you spend a lot of time. If young kids play or crawl around on sisal, it can be rough on hands and knees.

They also tend to absorb moisture, so you should avoid areas where they will be in constant contact with moisture.

And you should never place them directly on hardwood, or any other surface that is easily scratched. Even with an underlay, sisal is rough enough that it will eventually wear through the pad, and possibly damage the floor as you walk on it.

Yet in the right place, they are simply stunning. Every single sisal rug is unique in its own way. You’ll find traditional textures and patterns such as herringbone, basketweave, and zigzag patterns. Select the right color for your home based on your needs. Lighter colors will show dirt easier. A mix of dark and light color patterns will wear better over time.

What is jute?

Is It Time To Buy a Sisal or Jute Rug For Your Living Space?Like sisal, jute is made of natural fibers derived from Jute plants. Jute is grown mainly in Bangladesh and India from a tall, spindly plant that is also used to produce burlap. It comes with a natural light brown hue that can be dyed. But because of the color and texture, the hues will take on a more muted, earthy tone.

If you’re debating between sisal and jute for living spaces, you might move towards jute because it’s softer to the touch. Because jute comes from a plant stalk rather than leaves, it’s more flexible, softer, and has a cozier feel. You can walk barefoot across it and not feel a thing. That makes it a better choice in a busy household, for adults, kids, and your furry friends.

Because of both its texture and feel, it works well in all kinds of living spaces, including bedrooms, dining rooms, and family rooms. You won’t have to worry about jute scratching hardwood floors. And because of the natural earth tone, it can be a beautiful contrast against darker hardwood.

What we love the most about jute is it’s imperfect look. You’ll never find two rugs that look exactly the same, and it will give you a down to earth feel. Whether you create a rustic cabin in the woods, or prefer a beach house vibe, a jute rug may just be the perfect choice.

Is sisal or jute the right choice for your home?

Sisal and jute are both created from different parts of the plant. They are also harvested differently, resulting in different degrees of softness.

Sisal is derived from a stiff plant, its fibers are going to be significantly rougher and more durable than its counterpart, jute.

If you’re looking for softness, jute will meet your expectations. That’s why you’ll find it used quite commonly in decor materials for your home. It has a way of creating a cozy feel that homeowners love. Plus it has a soft texture, and equally creates a warm and comfy look and feel.

If you want rugged beauty in your living space, you’ll never go wrong with sisal.

If you prefer coziness and ease when you walk upon it, look more towards jute.

Of course, you can use both in different areas of your home, and love the results from both. Both are a great way to bring natural good looks to any room in your home.

It’s impossible to say which material is best. Because they are distinctly different, and it’s up to your preferences and needs that can push you towards one or the other.

Sisal rugs are durable and stiff, the perfect choice for high traffic spaces. If you want to install them onto stair steps, it can be the perfect way to make your home a little safer.

Jute rugs add a certain finesse to any living space. We love how the soft look yet bold designs give a sense of richness and depth wherever it’s laid into place.

Plus, both offer you a way to remove synthetics from your home once and for all. Both are eco-friendly, safe, healthy options you can use on your quest for greening up your home.

What’s the right choice for you: sisal or jute?

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What’s The Best Flooring For Flipping a House?

Fix and flips have become a popular pastime for many, thanks to the shows you can currently find on TV. The concept is simple enough. Find a great deal on real estate that may be a little rough around the edges. Purchase it at a very low cost. Then put some muscle into fixing the place up, and sell it for a nice profit.

Of course, once you buy it and start making decisions, you can see your profit margin slipping away. Every problem needs a fix, and the fix is often more expensive than you planned for.

So you try and cut corners where you can.

But cutting corners on important things may reduce your profit even more. Buyers want certain things in a new house, and if you don’t provide it or go for “cheap” instead of quality, it will impact the bottom line.

What’s The Best Flooring For Flipping a House?And the flooring is one of the prime examples where this process comes to light.

When you see a bargain in flooring, you might be tempted to install it. Will it really matter?

What is the best flooring for flipping a house? The answer might surprise you.

What is the best flooring for flipping a house?

We wish there was a simple answer to this question. But like every question out there, the answer for this one is: it depends. Before you settle on a particular type of flooring, ask yourself a series of questions.

What neighborhood is the house in? Your goal is to sell the house to a potential buyer who wants to live comfortably inside this new neighborhood. They want to fit in. They have the desires of other people currently living in this community. You wouldn’t want a Mercedes in a community that thrives on pickup trucks. Likewise, exotic hardwood wouldn’t appeal to a homeowner in certain neighborhoods.

What are your pricing goals? How much did you buy the house for? How much do you hope to sell it for? That’s your sticking point for the work you’ll put in it. If you blow the budget on flooring, it means other upgrades in the house will be lacking. Look at the overall project to determine how much you can put into each room and material.

What is your budget? Before you ever purchase your first tool or appliance, it’s important to determine how many individual projects you’ll be completing throughout the home. Assess how much of your budget you wish to spend on each room, each material or application. It’ll help you make wise choices as you make your selections.

Stick with flooring principles – they’ll win buyers every time

It’s easy for a “fix and flipper” to focus so much on profit, they forget that in the end, this is a home a family will love and want to come home to. Think logically with your choices, settling in on things you would want for your own family.

In the end, when it comes to selecting flooring, homeowners have a few principles they stick to across the line.

1. Consistency is most important. You don’t want a hodgepodge look. You should never have more than three styles of flooring in a home, and transitions matter most when creating flow.

2. Select hard surfaces over carpet wherever possible.

3. Carpet is for bedrooms only. You can install it in the basement if you’re adhering to a budget. But in all other cases, keep carpet at a minimum.

Let’s start with your main living spaces. As you walk in from the front door, cohesiveness is important. Start here with the flooring material you want to install, and use it on the main level as much as possible. Use the same flooring, the same color, the same pattern.

You will see a better ROI by making everything the same.

Next, think hard surfaces. Hardwood is preferred by most homeowners. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find the hardwood look in other products. Look at luxury vinyl planks. Consider laminate. There are amazing products in the marketplace today that can create a beautiful look at a reduced cost.

The smaller the home, the more you should consider using the hard surfaces throughout. If you do want to fall back on carpeting because of costs, add it to the bedrooms only.

A few flooring options for flipping a house

With all of these ideas in place, it’s time to select the right flooring for the home you’ll be putting on the market soon.

Hardwood

Hands down, hardwood is always a good choice. In every neighborhood, every price range, it’s the flooring people want.

Luckily, there are many ways to install it. You can stick with the standard materials, such as oak, and have the planks laid into place. You can choose finished or unfinished, having it stained after installation.

Hardwood is what people want, because it offers years – decades – of enjoyment. Homeowners know they can refinish it in the future and still have lasting effects.

Carpet

We’ve mentioned it several times, while carpet is economical, that doesn’t mean you should install it throughout the home. Presentation is everything when it comes to maximizing your profits. If you want to get all you can from the home, leave carpet in the bedroom.

Engineered hardwood

If you’re looking for a more economical hardwood, consider engineered hardwood. It gives the same look and feel of hardwood because it is real wood.

Engineered hardwood planks are created in layers to increase durability and moisture resistance. That makes it a great choice for laying throughout the home because it works well in basements and kitchens.

Plus, the potential homebuyers will love the look.

Luxury vinyl planks

There’s another entry in the marketplace that is catching decorators’ eye. Luxury vinyl planks are resilient, waterproof, and the perfect addition in many situations.

Because technology has increased so much in recent years, it’s often difficult telling this product apart from the real thing. But because it handles better in all situations, it’s a great choice for putting into bathrooms, laundry rooms, and below grade rooms like basements.

Plus it gives a crisp, modern look any homebuyer will love.

Are you fixing and flipping a home?

Then make the right choice for your situation.

What’s the best flooring for your fix and flip remodel?

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Use Flooring To Brighten Your Basement

It’s exciting redecorating your home. You can take a room that has fizzled out, and turn it into a place you love.

But what works on your main level living space isn’t always the greatest advice for your basement. Basements can be darker, dingier, and leave you feeling like you’re walking into a cavern.

Here’s the secret: it starts with your basement flooring. As you’re redecorating your basement and turning it into a space you’ll love, make sure you select the right flooring.

Understanding light

Basements are different because of the way they are lit. They exist underground, and have few or no windows. Even if windows exist, they are usually smaller than other windows throughout your home. And yet when it comes to decorating, most homes are lit the same way as other rooms.

No wonder they’re so dark!

It is possible to add more windows, or even enlarge the ones you have. Keep in mind it isn’t as easy as replacing other windows throughout your home. But if you’re renovating your forever home, it might be worth the cost.

Use Flooring To Brighten Your BasementWith windows in place, ensure that they aren’t covered and are fully used to give off natural light to the space throughout the day. Make them light, bright and airy by keeping the glass as clean as can be. If you do add curtains or blinds, be sure you can pull them away from the window during the day. Amplify this natural light as much as you can because it will improve the way your basement looks and functions.

Of course, you can always bring in additional lighting sources too. Think multidimensional lighting as you add in sources. Layers will fill every space with appropriate light. Start with recessed lighting as it gives off a broader range of light. Lights in the ceiling add more light to the room, and because they aren’t taking up space, they can add more room to play with other decor.

From there, layer the lighting in other places, such as a lamp on an end table, and spotlights on artwork and shelving.

The more light the better.

Stick with light colored basement flooring

Before you start shopping for new basement flooring, consider all your basement goes through in a year.

Is it damp? Do you have trouble with moisture from time to time?

Keeping your flooring in good condition throughout the year should be your first thought. You don’t want to have to worry about mold or mildew after a few months.

As you narrow in on your choices, focus on light colored flooring. You may love your dark hardwood in the main living space, but the dark color can make your basement look smaller. Light flooring opens up basement areas. Also, try to use the same flooring throughout the basement, as that will also open up the space.

If you love your hardwood and want to stick with it, if possible. We suggest you move towards one of the other popular floorings such as engineered wood, luxury vinyl planks, or wood look tile. But whatever you decide, go with a lighter shade. Select a natural wood look, whitewashed, or even a light gray.

Light is always better.

A lot of homeowners move towards carpet because it adds warmth to an already cooler basement. If your basement includes a movie theater, a bedroom, or a game room where you love to come together as a family late into the evening, carpet may be a good choice. Again, make sure you stick with lighter shades of beige or gray to keep the space open and inviting.

If warmth is one of your top concerns, you can also look towards radiant heating. It sits underneath tile or luxury vinyl planks, making the floors warm to the touch, and adding warmth to the space from the bottom up.

Other tricks to try to brighten your basement up

Have you noticed how we’ve suggested sticking with light colored decor so far in this article? We’re going to continue with that suggestion here. Skip the dark wood furniture, and the black or navy sofas and chairs. Consider white, cream, or light gray instead. You might even use glass coffee or end tables to help reflect the light.

Mirrors are also a great way to make the space look larger. Find unique ways of incorporating them in every room. Creating a mirrored wall will open up a home gym. Adding a large mirror in a game room will enlarge the space. As you shop around you’ll find mirrors in all kinds of formats. Focus on the frame, and you can easily replace artwork with a mirror and have it stand out in your space.

It goes without saying that when you select paint for the walls, stick to light colors. You don’t have to go with pure white to open up the room. With so many shades of white, you’ll find the perfect one for your decor. You can even use two different tones, select a whiter white for doors and molding to make the whole thing pop.

Now let’s go back to the floors. Even if you decide to cover the floors with engineered wood, luxury vinyl tile, or wood look tile, you can make the room cozy by laying down a rug. Once again, focus on the color and the pattern, ensuring it’s weaved with light colored fibers. With so many choices today, you can find a variety of area rugs that can handle the activities of any basement space. Focus on patterns to help camouflage dirt. Or play with color to add a bit of pizazz to the space.

Above all, have fun with the process and love everything you put into your basement’s decor. Ultimately, this is about making a space you and your family will use from day to day.

Do a few searches online. You’ll find motivation everywhere in the home remodeling websites, online magazines, and even on Pinterest.

It’s easy to dream about the perfect living space when you start at the base. Lighten up your basement flooring, and use that as a way to breathe new life into the rooms you’ll use most.

How can we help you make the right flooring selection?

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Why Buy DIY Flooring From a Flooring Retailer

A lot of homeowners across the Front Range have been bitten by the home remodeling bug this year. And why not? We’re spending more time at home than ever before.

Maybe you’re redoing an extra bedroom into a home office. Maybe you’re reconfiguring your open concept floor plan to have individual work stations. Maybe it’s time to refinish the basement to add more space.

While all of that remodeling can spur your inner interior decorator, and kick your designing personality into high gear, finding the best products to use can be a tricky experience.

You might be tempted to spend a weekend shopping at your favorite big box store, but is it really the best place to buy?

Take flooring, for example. They have rows of great looking products. The carpet is a great color. The luxury vinyl planks are just what you’ve been looking for. And the price! It was good before, but now that they are having their “holiday blowout”, the price is out of this world.

Why look anywhere else? Why would you ever shop a flooring retailer with prices like these?

Like anything, you get what you pay for.

Expertise

Why Buy DIY Flooring From a Flooring RetailerWhen you visit with an independent flooring retailer, you’ll talk with someone who has a wealth of knowledge ready and waiting for you. Flooring is all they do, and they do it well. They know all of the products on the marketplace, how easy they are to install, and how they wear over time. Because many independent flooring retailers have been in business for years, they also understand trends, and what flooring will stand the test of time. You can benefit from all of this expertise and more, and be able to get all of your questions answered easily. Try that with part-time help at a big box store, whose only goal is to make it to the weekend.

Personalized service

While an associate at a big box store might have worked a particular department for a bit, they still were hired as an employee for the store, not as a flooring expert. Their goal is to sell you on a product in stock, and get you out of the store. They deal in quantity, not in quality.

Not so with a flooring retailer. They pride themselves on gaining customers that will stick with them for life. They want you to select the right flooring for your needs, and be happy with the outcome for years to come. If you’re happy, you’ll be back when you need new carpet for the bedrooms, or are ready to renovate your basement. You’ll also remember them when you’re talking with friends.

A flooring retailer knows how to dig deep, ask the right questions, and help you finalize your purchase so it’s the right flooring for your needs.

Shop local

Let’s face it, the big box stores are in every major city, and focus on buying large quantities at bargain basement prices so they can continue to ramp up profits from year to year. They want you to shop again and again, no matter what city you’re in.

But when you visit an independent flooring retailer, chances are you’re visiting with locals. Like us, many independent flooring retailers have lived in the community for years, have a home nearby, have raised a family in the local neighborhood. You’re supporting friends who walk the same streets as you, and care as much about the community as you do.

If supporting the local community is on your list of to-do’s, pay attention to where you shop.

High quality products

Do you know how well the products at the big box store are made? It’s a hit-or-miss when it comes to quality.

Big box stores buy in mass quantity. They are looking for manufacturers that can fulfill their orders by the masses. And that means they often pick up products that are inferior at best. They can’t take time to wait for higher quality – they care about getting things on the shelves.

Sometimes, that means inferior glue on luxury vinyl tiles, or less than stellar wood used on laminate flooring. Of course, you may not notice it on the samples in the store, or even as you finish up your DIY project. But you will notice it over time, as the glues come unglued, and the laminate flooring starts to warp.

Large selection

The thing about big box stores is they select just enough products to keep their aisles and shelves full and ready for you to shop. Each department only has so much space. So the buyers ensure they find the best deals to fill it well.

But what if the gray-washed luxury vinyl planks aren’t quite the color you were hoping for? What if the carpet tiles aren’t quite the pattern you want? Don’t give up, check with an independent flooring retailer instead.

When you shop someone who exclusively deals with flooring, they will be able to find exactly what you are looking for.

Availability

A big box store works big box hours. When an associate’s shift ends, they go home. While you can ask questions to any associate who happens to be working that day, you’ll have to start over asking your questions and filling in the details. The customer service you receive will vary from person to person.

And only during store hours, of course.

Not so with a flooring retailer. We care about our business, and so we make ourselves available to you. Plus, when you call or visit with us, rest assured every person you talk with will have a wealth of knowledge about the product you’ve purchased, and will be ready to answer every question you have.

Independent flooring retailers have a 24/7 commitment to ensure they keep every customer and prospect they come in contact with happy and well informed.

Think a box box store can keep up with that?

Are you ready for your next DIY project?

Then maybe it’s time to give an independent flooring retailer a call. Whether you have your mind made up on a particular product or color, or are just starting the exploration process, we’re here to help. We can help you find the best DIY flooring for your needs.

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