7 Great Reasons To Install Waterproof Floors

Imagine dropping an entire bucket of water and not having to worry. Picture the kids leaving the faucet running, splashing water all over your floors … and you simply throw down a towel to wipe it up, and walk away.

Sound too good to be true? Think again.

Waterproof floors are a thing, and you can have them installed throughout your home. What’s more, this isn’t the vinyl product your parents had in their homes. This is high quality flooring that looks as great as it wears. You’re really going to love these floors.

What are they? Before we get into the details, it’s important that you understand what to look for.

You’ll likely see waterproof floors for sale in several different ways:

LVT – luxury vinyl tile – this product looks like real hardwood or stone flooring, but offers many more benefits. It can be less expensive, is easier to install and maintain, and comes in many styles and colors, giving you options for every room in your home.

LVP – luxury vinyl plank – you’ll sometimes see vinyl hardwood planks referred to as LVP rather than LVT, but both offer you the same good looks with easy to maintain living. LVP closely mimics the look of genuine hardwood flooring, and can give you many options including embossed or hand scraped wood. LVP often gives you even more options than you’ll find in the genuine hardwood flooring market.

WPC – wood plastic composite – WPC vinyl plank or tile flooring are known for being 100 percent waterproof. It’s traditional luxury vinyl flooring that’s been given an added waterproof core that makes it perfect for any room in your home. It also works well in commercial applications too.

7 Great Reasons To Install Waterproof FloorsSPC – stone plastic composite – SPC has a rigid core that is virtually indestructible. It’s known for being 100 percent waterproof, and uses engineered technology to replicate both hardwood and stone tiles. Vinyl may have some give, has a flexible core. WPC does a pretty good job of firming it up and making it stand up well under pressure. SPC’s core is rigid – think concrete – and will stand up to whatever pressure you give it.

MLF – multilayer flooring – this is a generic term for all multilayer flooring lines, including WPC, SPC, and rigid core flooring or performance vinyl.

Rigid core – rigid core refers to a floating floor that uses click in place technology. The beauty of rigid core is it can be installed over many existing hard flooring surfaces, meaning you can have your remodel completed faster, without the mess that comes with ripping out old flooring.

Armed with this knowledge, you can now shop for waterproof flooring and be a little savvier with your questions. But before you go, let’s explore waterproof floors in a little more detail, because there is so much to love about these products.

They’re waterproof

Yes, they’re waterproof. That’s why you’re reading this article. But we wanted to take a moment to actually explain what that means.

If you drop a bucket of water on the floor, wipe it up. Your flooring won’t sustain any damage. If you’re kids drop their drinks, if they splash water out of the tub, if they bring in a “surprise” from the outside, you’re safe. Your flooring will stand up well to all kinds of activities.

However, it is still flooring, which means if something penetrates underneath, it can cause damage. If your house floods with several feet of water for a few days, it may not survive.

They’re great for DIYers

Not only are waterproof floors easy to maintain, but they’re perfect for homeowners that want a side project. With their click locking systems, it’s a snap to lay the planks into your space. Start in one corner of your room, snap them all into place, and you can be moving furniture back into place by the evening. No waiting for stain or varnish to dry, or your floors to settle into place.

They can be installed over existing flooring

This adds to the ease factor, and is an added bonus to DIYers. Depending on the flooring you already have down, you may not have to remove it before you click waterproof flooring into place. That’s because the rigid core isn’t sensitive to whatever imperfections exist within the subfloor. However, you should still evaluate the current condition of your flooring. If you suspect damage of any kind, including mold or mildew, it’s wise to repair the damage before you install any type of flooring over it.

They are more realistic than ever

When the first multilayer flooring products were released onto the market, they weren’t even close to the real thing. If you remember vinyl products installed in your parents’ homes, you know.

But with today’s products, technology has taken them a long way. The realistic graphics are so good, even experts have to get closer for a second look. In many cases, they are indistinguishable from the natural products they emulate. That adds to the elegance of your decor, and allows you to be creative with everything you bring in to your home.

They offer noise reduction and warmth 

One of the things people remember about the original line of waterproof flooring is the noise. It echoed as you walked over it. With the newest technology, they provide better sound absorption qualities than many of the flooring choices they mimic. And thanks to technology, they offer better warmth factors too.

What’s more, waterproof flooring is the perfect choice to install over radiant heating. If you’re tired of stepping out of bed onto cold floors, or want a more energy efficient way to keep your rooms toasty warm in the winter, take another look at waterproof flooring.

They offer benefits for commercial too

While homeowners love the technology behind waterproof flooring, it’s making its way into commercial applications too. SPC, in particular, is a good choice for retail and hospitality settings, and can even be found in some medical facilities. Why not have your flooring look good, with durability and easy maintenance built it?

They’re beautiful

While we’ve spoken a lot about how well they handle, we should mention again just how beautiful today’s waterproof flooring is. With their enhanced style and design, they can match any personality, and give you whatever look you’re trying to achieve.

Plus, because of how they are made, they offer even more colors, styles, and options than traditional products. Where hardwood or stone is limited to what is found in nature, that’s not so with waterproof floors. You’ll find an array of options from the lightest to the darkest colors of the rainbow.

If you are trying to match your decor, you’ll find it in waterproof flooring technology.

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Why Carpet Works For Commercial Properties

As a property owner, you’re involved in many decisions each day. If the heat doesn’t work in the winter, that’s on you. If the windows aren’t clean and a tenant complains, that’s on you too.

And while a lot of decisions are made spur of the moment, especially in emergency situations, with other choices, it’s more important to weigh your options wisely.

Take flooring, for example.

Flooring is a significant investment. Choose wisely, and it’ll last you for years. But if you don’t consider all of your options, it could be a pricey mistake.

Choosing commercial flooring can be challenging at best. Not only does it have to look good, but it also has to wear well in a variety of situations. Entryways, hallways, offices, and conference rooms all have different needs.

Fortunately, technology has vastly improved commercial flooring in the past decade. No matter what you have your heart set on, there are ways to incorporate it into your final design.

Carpet typically comes in two categories. Both can be beneficial in a commercial setting; it all depends on your needs.

Broadloom carpet – this is also known as wall-to-wall carpet, and is what most people think of when it comes to buying carpet. They bring it in by the roll, and piece it into your space, depending on measurements. If you go this route, it will be tacked down in a continuous flow from one side of each room to the other.

Modular carpet – this is also known as carpet tiles. Carpet tiles continue to be a good choice for commercial properties that have a lot of change. They are durable and easy to install and replace as needed. Because carpet tiles are more manageable, they can be installed seamlessly anywhere, giving you flexibility with design.

I want carpet for my commercial property. Which one?

Carpeting is one of the best choices for commercial property for a variety of reasons. But it is still important for you to think about how each space throughout the building will be used, and select the right product for each situation. It is perfectly acceptable to use different products in different spaces.

Start with evaluating what the space is used for. In every commercial property, there are certain spaces that will be used more than others. Some for business, some for leisure. Some with heavy traffic, others will barely be used.

Entryways are one of the spaces with the highest traffic levels. And here in Colorado, it also means enduring a wide array of weather conditions. People will walk in with ice and snow on their shoes and boots. You’ll have dirt break lose and stick in the fibers. That means more cleaning too.

Why Carpet Works For Commercial PropertiesIf you head up several floors, or to the back of the building, traffic drops off considerably. That doesn’t mean you want to lower the quality. You still want a cohesive look throughout.

This is one of the reasons carpet tiles excel in commercial settings. You can replace them in high traffic situations periodically to keep them looking fresh. They’ll still match other areas of the building that won’t need replacing as often.

What you should focus on when making your final selection 

What are your top concerns when selecting carpet for your commercial properties? We know from experience these are the things you should weigh carefully:

Durability

At the top of the list is durability. The carpet you select should hold up well no matter what type of traffic it receives. You should also think about replacement – is that easy to do? Pay attention to specific areas where this will be of greatest concern.

Maintenance

If you have carpet, it will need to be cleaned regularly. Daily vacuuming will pull dirt to the surface and prevent it from settling in. Regular cleanings should also be top priority. With dirt and grime settling in, the more you clean and remove it, the longer your carpets will last. Also, consider using mats and commercial rugs on the messiest days of the year. That added protection can extend the life of your carpet by weeks, or months.

Use of space

Look beyond the general purpose of each room or space. Also, consider all traffic that moves through each location. How well does it handle with the use of carts or trolleys? Does it work well with a high number of visitors using walkers or wheelchairs? What kinds of deliveries are made each day? Is the space used in harsh conditions, or is it created more for high end use?

Appearance

While use trumps appearance in commercial spaces, it’s still important to keep in mind who is using or leasing your property. Financial institutions often want a more luxurious appearance, while medical focuses on cleanliness.

Noise

The number one reason property managers turn to carpet is for noise reduction. If you’ve ever heard the clunk, clunk of shoes down a tiled or wood hallway, you know how important this can be in some situations. Acoustics can be especially important in large, open spaces. Carpet absorbs noise, which can greatly impact the functionality where office workers may need concentration.

Health and safety

Different carpets have different properties. Commercial flooring should always have moisture barriers, and be able to handle a variety of situations. Mold is always a problem, which is why you should focus on installing a flooring that prevents buildup over time. But don’t forget to look for manufacturers that do so using low VOCs as well. If you’re leaning towards creating a greener environment, one that may qualify for LEED certification, composition may be everything.

And let’s not forget safety. Carpet provides better traction than almost any flooring option. Imagine a slick tile combined with ice and snow; that is a recipe for disaster. Which is why carpet is often the most logical choice. Especially if property visitors cover all age ranges, including people that may be at risk for falling in the first place.

Are you sold on carpet?

Have we convinced you that carpet is the best way to go in your commercial property?

Now it’s time to take the next step, and find out about your options. There are many different ways to incorporate carpet into every space in your design. You can do so and create a neutral palette, or liven things up with color and patterns.

How can we help you bring new carpet into your commercial space?

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How To Install Flooring in an Open Concept Design

If we’ve learned anything so far in 2020, it’s that everything can change on a dime. Where once everyone was selling their big homes and selecting a smaller, urban dwelling instead, today we’re realizing that might be a thing of the past. One article stated that as much as one-third of Americans are considering moves to less densely populated areas. Urbanites are twice as likely to have surfed real estate websites, dreaming of changing homes.

Whether you’re looking for a new home, or are considering remodeling the one you currently own, open concept design is still as popular as ever. And there are many reasons for that.

Open concept design allows:

  • Better traffic flow – without doors, people can move throughout the space unhindered
  • Improved communication – family members aren’t isolated in their own spaces
  • Shared light – you’ll have fewer dark spots in your living space
  • Easier with kids – ever tried to watch small children while cooking dinner? It’s much easier in an open concept design
  • Flexibility – without predefined walls, you can use the space however you choose – whatever works best for you

How To Install Flooring in an Open Concept DesignChances are if you’re reading this, you’re already sold on the concept.

But there’s something a little more difficult about it when it comes to decorating. How do you install flooring in an open concept design?  Are you resigned to staying with the same flooring throughout? Or is there a way to section off space and incorporate different materials?

Should flooring be the same throughout the house?

This is probably one of our most asked questions. And our response is always the same: it depends.

There isn’t a design rule that says you have to use the same flooring throughout. It’s a personal choice.

  • What do you prefer?
  • What is lifestyle like?
  • Are you creating your forever home?
  • Do you care about resale value?
  • What about functionality?
  • What does your gut tell you to do?

That said, we do have a few design rules we share with all of our customers.

Stick with one material wherever possible 

We’ve all seen (or possibly lived in) a house with patchwork flooring. You enter to tile, follow the path to a different floor in the kitchen, wood in the family room, and carpet in the living space. Some homes love carpet so much, it’s everywhere. But to save on wear marks, they create pathways made of tile, using it to meander throughout the home.

It rarely works.

Whenever possible, stick with one flooring. The more open concept your house is, the more you should focus on using one flooring material.

And it’s not that difficult to choose. Here in Colorado, you can’t go wrong with hardwood. And the great thing with hardwood is you have unlimited options. Hardwood comes in more traditional styles like oak, or move to exotic with something like Brazilian cherry. If you’re worried about using hardwood in an active home, there are solutions for you. Try laminate. Today’s laminate offers a variety of pros that will make you fall in love with this product. If you want something even more care-free and durable, try luxury vinyl planks. They look so real, thanks to technology, even experts in the industry have to get up close and personal to see it’s not real.

But I really want to separate flooring materials

There may be instances that call for using two different types of flooring. In these cases, even with an open concept design, you’ll probably transition flooring due to different activities on each space. Maybe you need the durability of tile, mixed with the beauty of hardwood. Look for natural divisions of spacing, and use the material to showcase that specific space.

Yet we also invite you to dig a little deeper. Why are you hesitant to using the same flooring throughout?

One of the biggest reasons we’ve noticed is when families question using hardwood in kitchens. People almost always love hardwood throughout the living space. But they understand how difficult hardwood can be near moisture and water. With small kids, messes can be an every day occurrence. Do you really want to worry about warped wood just a few weeks after it’s installed?

Only you know your family. And if you have concerns over the durability of a material, you won’t truly be able to enjoy your living space. Voice your concerns and we can show you alternatives.

The key to transitioning well is to create a uniform look as much as you can. Stick with the same colors and hues. Luckily, with today’s product lines, you can do so, creating a similar look with tile that you can get with hardwood. We’ll show you how.

It’s about looks, it’s about lifestyle

At the end of the day, this is your home, and only you can decide your decor options.

Still, we encourage all of our customers to think about harmony as they finalize their decision. Choosing a neutral color palette allows you to play with color using other design elements. It’s easier to repaint than it is to install new flooring. It’s less expensive to buy a new chair than new flooring.

If you select neutral flooring in an open concept design, it gives you the perfect foundation you need to create any look you desire. You can be as wild and crazy as you like with rugs, furniture, and artwork, knowing you can change your mind easily at any given moment.

We also know that in every home, you’ll have some areas you use a lot, and other areas that are used infrequently. That means heavier wear in areas like the kitchen, while a formal dining room may see feet only once a week at most.

Some homeowners want two separate flooring products. They know it’s important for the way their family lives. And if that’s your case, by all means select the products that work best for you.

Other homeowners choose to use one product, and strategically place area rugs to minimize potential problems. That works too. But again, it depends on your needs.

It’s about getting the right flooring for your open concept design

We get that you only pick out new flooring a few times in your lifetime. We help homeowners just like you every day.

If you need more guidance in order to create a living space you love now and years into the future, let’s chat. Our knowledgeable team can help you choose the right flooring product for your needs.

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7 Things Many Carpet Retailers Won’t Tell You

Are you in the market for new carpet? There are many places you can go to finalize your purchase.

Head online, and you can find some great deals. Order it, have it delivered, you can even find a handyman ready to save you money.

Or maybe you should visit your local big box store. After all, you visit there all the time. You picked up gardening supplies a few months ago, and were up there just last week for a can of paint. It truly is one-stop shopping. They have a few racks of carpet, why not go with what they have?

All of these may seem tempting. Replacing your flooring can be a significant investment. Why not save a little money where you can? But the thing is going with an expert will reveal key things you should know before you make your final selection, things places like a big box will never tell you.

But you’ll find out in the end.

Here are a few things to keep in mind before you buy new carpet.

Larger rooms will have seams

Seams – they can be problematic if not placed correctly inside your room. Yet if you don’t work with an installer with a lot of experience, this can be a nightmare down the road.

7 Things Many Carpet Retailers Won’t Tell YouStandard carpet rolls come in standard sizes, usually 12, 13.6, or 15 feet wide. If your room is wider than 12 feet, you will have a seam running somewhere in the room. That’s where it’s important to have an expert help you, to minimize the effect.

First, if you don’t want to have a seam showing, select a darker carpet. Dark carpet colors are much better at hiding seams within the fibers.

You should also plan on where a seam would work out best. Place it away from windows, doors, skylights, and other light sources, as they shine light on where the seam is.

Do you have a specific room layout in mind? If you can put a seam under a bed or sofa, it won’t be noticed as much throughout your daily routines.

Remember, where you place the seam matters. It can impact how much carpet you buy. We can help you decide the best location, and order your carpet based on your decisions.

Looking for longevity? Focus on the padding

Many homeowners come in wanting to spend the majority of their budgets on the carpet. And we get it, it makes sense.

But there’s a secret some in the flooring industry won’t tell you. If you want to ensure a long life for your carpet, invest a little more in the padding.

Padding is sold by weight, so you’ll look for the pound rating as a guide. A higher pound rating gives you a denser pad, which allows your carpet to wear more evenly.

The good news is carpet pad is the economical part of your purchase. To upgrade won’t cost you much more, but it can give you years more life. Some carpet warranties even require you to install certain rated padding if you don’t, your warranty is null and void.

Will some carpet retailers tell you that?

There are different ways to carpet your stairs

Installing new carpet isn’t something you do on a regular basis. Which means there are a variety of things you simply don’t know to ask for.

Like how carpet will be installed on your stairs.

Some installers will drape the carpet over each step before attaching it to the next. This gives it a waterfall appearance. But if you ask, you can also have carpet installed in a “French cap” method where the carpet is tucked under and stapled to each of the risers below. This creates a neater, crisper edge.

Let’s talk about furniture

You’ve lived in your house for years. You have sofas, and chairs, and tables, oh my. All of that furniture looks great as you enter the room, but your carpet installer will only look at it as a challenge.

In order to make the installation go smoothly, move as much of the furniture out of the room as possible. Carpet installers aren’t furniture movers, and most will charge you extra if they have to do it.

That also means some furniture may be at risk – grandfather clocks, baby grand pianos, or your grandmother’s china cabinet may all be damaged in the process. When in doubt, move it out before your installer arrives.

Installers need electricity

Are you having a section of your home remodeled? Is the electricity off for construction? Be sure to tell your installer your plans.

While installing carpet is a manual job, they will use compressors, seam irons, vacuums, and other power tools throughout the process. They can bring in a generator if they know they may be without electricity. But if you don’t warn them ahead of time, it can cost you time in the installation process. And that can be an extra charge to bring them out.

Carpet removal is not the same thing as carpet installation

Before a carpet installer lays the new carpet into place, they have to pull the old carpet out of the space, including the pad.

And while you’ve tried to keep it clean, invariably a lot of stuff gets buried into the fibers and pad that will resurface while being carried out.

If you want other rooms in your home to stay clean during the process, close them off. And if you’re going to have other rooms cleaned, it might be a good idea to wait until after the installation.

You should also check with the installer to see how they handle the removal. Some will charge for carrying your old carpeting away.

Understanding stain-resistant carpet

Carpet is made from fiber, and over time, fiber can be stained.

Carpet manufacturers have come a long way in the past few decades, creating carpet that can withstand a lot of daily activities. But in the end, carpet is stain-resistant. It’s never stain-proof. That means how you care for it will determine how well it looks from this day forward.

If your carpet comes with something like Stainmaster™ built into the fibers, it might require new applications every few years to maintain its effectiveness. Check with the manufacturer at the time you buy to ensure you follow their guidelines.

It can also make a difference in ensuring your warranty stays valid.

Are you ready to buy new carpet?

We can help. Stop by today, and we can help you make the right choice for your home.

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How To Match Carpet To Your Facility’s Needs

Maybe you run a large commercial space, with offices on several floors.

Maybe you run a medium sized medical facility, where cleanliness is everything.

Maybe you have a small business, and a fresh, clean appearance attracts people to your location.

Whatever type of facility you’re operating, you have a desire to match carpet to your facility’s needs.

And that’s important. But even in your own facility, you may have different needs throughout the building, on every single floor. How do you know what type of carpet to invest in?

Profiling your facility to determine what it needs

The first step in any project is to define your needs. And when it comes to selecting carpet, the more clearly you define specific requirements, the more you’ll be happy with your selection.

We have a few things for you to consider:

What type of facility do you operate? 

Different businesses require different needs. A medical building might have cleanliness as one of their top concerns. A large financial institution may make aesthetics a priority – they want to shine anytime a client comes to visit. Consider your priorities and decide what’s most important for you.

What activities take place inside? 

How To Match Carpet To Your Facility’s NeedsSome facilities depend on durability and maintenance-free functionality. Others are more concerned with how it looks to the general public. Heavy foot traffic will track in more dirt and debris. If you use a lot of liquids, or have a manufacturing process of any kind, it may be more important to focus on toughness.

Where will the carpet be laid into place? 

Carpet installed in entryways will require more maintenance than carpet in a conference room on the twentieth floor. Coordination may be a factor if you’re trying to tie every room together, but you should still pay attention to the daily living the carpet will be receiving.

How much of a life cycle do you expect? 

Do you change out the carpet frequently, or do you want the carpet to last? Some facilities rotate carpet regularly and have a budget for it each year. Others want to select wisely so their carpet choice will last for years.

What is tracked into the facility? 

Here in Colorado, ice and snow is a given? But if your tenants are from the construction industry, for example, will dirt and mud also show up regularly? It’s not only what the visitors will be wearing as they walk across the carpet, but also what exists on the bottom of their shoes as they move around.

Are you replacing or adding something new? 

If you’re moving from tile to carpet, for example, the subfloor could also need to be changed out. Or maybe the subfloor will have to be accessed from time to time – does maintenance need to get under the floor? That can make the difference between needing carpet tiles or bringing it in on a roll.

What type of furniture will be in the build out?

Different facilities house different levels of business. Will you place heavy office furniture and leave it set for years? Or will the furniture and supplies be under constant rotation, moving around your facility from time to time? Carpet squares may work well to prevent wear marks and replace small sections as you change out the space.

Finding the right carpet for your facility’s needs

People’s knowledge of carpet almost always stems from what they install in their homes. And residential carpet is entirely different from commercial-grade carpet. Yes, you’ll still have a wide variety of choices in style, fiber, pile, color, and patterns.

Just like residential choices, carpet in the workplace will give you personality. If you want a formal look for a bank or financial institution? There’s carpet for you. If your needs are solely based on maintenance and ease of use, there’s a carpet for you too.

 

There are so many different options when deciding which carpet to choose. You should consider:

Carpet construction – what it’s made of will ultimately determine how well it handles over its lifespan.

Color selection – you can go with natural to blend in, or dye it your corporate colors to stand out.

Style – carpet tiles make it easy to change out sections as needed. Of course, more traditional carpet can be laid into place and provide an elegant look and feel.

Performance – a high-quality carpet will give you years of service. In commercial carpet, it’s always better to focus on functionality and how it will handle under the stress your facility will give it.

Insulation and sound absorption – carpet is a natural noise reducer. How much depends on the carpet chosen and the backing or padding added underneath. It’s a great way to help reduce noise where you may need a quiet environment, such as a sound recording studio. Just pay attention to anti-static properties as well.

Cushion – standing on wood or tile all day can be hard on the feet and back. But with the right carpet, you can avoid workplace injuries and keep your tenants or salespeople doing their best.

Other considerations when matching carpet to facility needs

Depending on the goals of your business and what you’re trying to achieve with your facility, green building may be high up on your list. Green building is more than using materials that help the environment; they are designed so they won’t harm health too. Research now suggests that if people work in green environments, possibly LEED certified, they are more productive and healthier than working in buildings that aren’t.

There are many options available if this is something you’re striving for. The key is going into the purchase process with these goals in mind. Carpet tiles and more traditional carpet options are all available in green-friendly options. Ask from the beginning, and you’ll achieve the look and quality you want.

Impressions matter

When it’s time to choose new carpet for your facility, keep in mind that first impressions matter. The look you’re trying to achieve says it all from the moment anyone enters your facility.

If you skimp and downgrade your selection, you’ll pay in both looks and quality. By keeping aesthetics and overall design top of mind, you’ll install a carpet that is sure to please.

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How To Disinfect Laminate Flooring

The year 2020 will go down in history as the time when everything changed. Working remotely is becoming the new norm. Shopping moved almost completely online. And cleaning – we look at that in an entirely new way.

It’s no longer acceptable to run a dust cloth over your personal items and call it a day. What else lurks in the corners of your room? We’ve taken cleaning to a whole new level.

It’s one thing to wonder how to clean a shelf in your living room. But what about the floors? They have to be the dirtiest places in your home, right?

If you have laminate flooring, you might be wondering what to do. You installed laminate for all the right reasons. You wanted a flooring that looked as good as hardwood, but stands up better to everyday living. And the coronavirus has definitely challenged what “everyday living” means.

 

How do you clean it? Better yet, how do you disinfect laminate flooring to ensure it not only looks good, but is safe for your family to live with?

Taking precautions with your laminate flooring

When you install new floors, you do so mostly for the beauty of the floors. You have a certain style in mind. You are creating aesthetics that will blend with your personal decor.

You might even take a second look at how well your flooring choices will do under pressure. Are they easy to clean? Are they easy to maintain over the years?

How To Disinfect Laminate FlooringThere’s a difference between cleaning and disinfecting. We’ve also become manic about ensuring everything is safe, sanitized, and doesn’t harbor germs that can make our families sick.

I was doing a few searches the other day in Google. Did you know people right now are searching things like:

  • How do you kill germs on laminate floors?
  • Can you use Lysol on laminate floors?
  • What cleaners are safe for laminate floors?

Yep, this is front and center of every homeowner’s mind.

So what is the answer?

It starts with paying attention to what the manufacturer suggests.

When the manufacturer created the product currently residing in your home, they did so knowing it could sustain certain types of wear. It depends on what the laminate is made of, what topcoat is put into place, how it’s installed in your home. If you do things according to guidelines, it’ll wear well for the life of the product. If you follow the rules, whatever warranty is in place will ensure you are covered for the entire time frame.

The manufacturer knows best.

Some tips hold true no matter what product you choose:

Less water is better. Laminate might be better than hardwood when it comes to standing up against moisture, but it still isn’t made to have standing water in place. Water can soak in and cause extensive damage. It can peel and separate the layers. And it takes surprisingly less than you would imagine.

Never use bleach. Bleach may be the king of getting rid of germs, but it’s not a friend to laminate flooring. Laminate is porous. That means the bleach will soak in and cause a wide array of problems. It will often take the shiny finish off the floors first, before soaking into the color layer and dulling the look of your laminate. As it penetrates deeper, it can warp and curl your floors.

Avoid “promise” products. There are a lot of floor cleaners on the market today that make an array of promises. “Protected shine,” for example, promises to keep your floors radiant no matter how much your family can dish out. But what it’s really doing is filling in the tiny scratch and scuff markets with a filler product. Over time, this product can build, dull the finish, and create a filmy residue that’s difficult to get clean. It may make your floors look good in the beginning, but it will quickly disappear.

Your first step: Keeping dirt at bay

The key to great looking laminate flooring is to keep it clean and dirt-free. Dirt builds over time. By removing the dirt quickly, it means your flooring will stay cleaner naturally.

That means quick clean up when things happen. That’s why you should keep the proper tools right at hand, to be able to get rid of dirt quickly. Swiffer products make it easy to pick up messes fast. Invest in a small vacuum you can use whenever needed. Dust mops are good at picking up surface dirt and pulling them off of your floors. Use a dust mop daily at a minimum, more if your family is busy.

Always have a mop at hand

Sweeping and dusting are your first line of defense in keeping your flooring clean. But even if you dust daily, you aren’t removing the hidden grime that settles into your floors. And that’s where bacteria can live.

Dusting is your starting point. But from there, mopping provides you with a deeper clean.

Always use a soft mop so you won’t hurt the finish on your laminate floors. Not all mops are the same, so it’s wise to find one that works well with the product you have in place.

Keep a towel handy to dry any wet spots that remain after mopping. Excessive moisture – even small residue – can be enough to damage the finish. That means your floors may be impacted by things like swelling or warping.

And always pay attention to the chemicals in the floor cleaner you are selecting. Chemicals might promise to kill bacteria, but many do more harm than good. Avoid harsh chemicals, and refer to your warranty to ensure you’re using products the manufacturer recommends.

You should never use detergent-based cleaning products, as they will leave behind a sticky residue. And never pour any type of cleaning product directly on your floors. Make sure the mop or rag you use is thoroughly rung out, so it’s damp, and rub gently over the surface, ensuring no moisture is left behind.

Now it’s time to disinfect

Cleaning your floors is half the battle. The key to ensuring your floors are disinfected is to use an EPA-approved cleaning agent.

The CDC has issued guidance on what to use on porous materials. Use these guidelines to find a product that works well for your needs.

As always, before trying anything new, use a small amount of product in an inconspicuous place, to ensure it doesn’t leave a mark. If you’re getting down on the floor, be sure to wear gloves to keep your hands safe from harm, and dispose of them after, or wash them and hang them to dry.

All disinfectants can be harmful or fatal to people and animals, so keep the products away from your kids and pets.

Clean floors can give you peace of mind during these trying times. How have you been disinfecting your laminate flooring?

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The Secret For More Beautiful Laminate Flooring

Are you thinking of changing the flooring inside your home? One step into a flooring center can leave you overwhelmed and confused.

Maybe you planned to replace what’s currently installed. You have carpet, and want to stick with carpet.

Or maybe you’ve been uttering “hardwood is the only way to go” for years. Now is your time – you can’t wait to install traditional hardwood.

But even that is turning into a massive headache. The more you learn about hardwood, the more you’re wondering if it’s the right choice for you. You have a busy household, after all. Dogs, kids, football parties on the weekends, potluck always seems to be at your house on Friday’s. Is hardwood really the right choice?

Maybe it’s time to consider laminate flooring instead.

We get it, laminate might cause your eyebrows to come together in puzzlement. You’ve heard a lot about laminate, and not a lot of it’s good.

We’re here to tell you that you shouldn’t believe everything you read. With today’s technology, laminate flooring has undergone massive change since its inception. And it really might be the right choice for your home.

What is laminate flooring?

People often stop by our retail center and say:

The Secret For More Beautiful Laminate FlooringWe love hardwood and really want to install them inside our home. But we’d like it to be a little more maintenance-free, easy to care for, and have resiliency against everyday mishaps like a spilled glass of water. What hardwood floor can do that?

They are surprised when the answer is: laminate flooring.

Laminate flooring is a multi-layer product designed to give you the good looks of hardwood, with the resiliency of other flooring choices like vinyl.

Laminate starts out with a backing layer designed to keep moisture out and prevent water from seeping in and ruining the floor. Think of this as the insulation that provides protection against everything your family can dish out.

Next, laminate floors have a fiberboard core that provides structure, stability, and impact resistance. This is what gives your flooring overall strength, and helps it hold up well throughout the years. The core layer is made from a high density fiberboard (HDF) or medium density fiberboard (MDF), which is created typically from recycled wood fibers.

The decorative layer sits on top of the core layer. This is what gives the laminate its good looks. Because technology has increased so much over the years, today’s laminate flooring can take on just about any look, come in a plethora of color, grain, and texture options.

Finally, the top layer is smoothed over the decorative layer to add protection. It’s a thin coating of aluminum oxide, which helps give it shine, protect it from scratching, and even provide UV protection from natural sunlight.

Why laminate is the right choice for today’s homes

When most people think of laminate, they judge it off of what they learned in the 1970s, when laminate first hit the marketplace. The new product may have looked like hardwood, but it was a lower quality by far. This is what created the stereotypes that are still in existence today.

By the 1980s, the dominating company produced a product called Pergo, which took off quickly across Europe, and slowly penetrated the US market during the 1990s. It was an easy way for homeowners to enjoy the beauty of hardwood floors at a more affordable price. But they rarely passed for hardwood. There was no mistaking the look and feel.

Fast forward to today, and there are many more advancements in laminate flooring. Pay attention to manufacturers’ quality; you won’t be able to tell the difference between traditional hardwood and laminate.

Each layer has seen advancements to make stronger, better looking, and more resilient than ever before. One of the most recent developments is an increase in water-resistance. Where traditional hardwood often fails in places like kitchens and basements, you can now install laminate, knowing you’ll love your choice for years to come.

Are you sold on the idea of laying laminate flooring throughout your home? You’re going to love the results.

This is how you care for laminate flooring

To ensure you love your flooring for years to come, we’ve put together a few care tips to keep your laminate flooring in top shape and looking good throughout your busy days.

Dust can be the enemy – in a gas-forced heated home, which is prominent all over Colorado, dust is something you learn to live with. But dust and laminate flooring aren’t a good combination. Invest in a vacuum that works well on hard surfaces; use it regularly. Consider investing in a Swiffer and pick up the dust each day. Dust has the ability to get between the spaces and deteriorate the laminate boards faster. Avoid using steam or water as that can also seep in and harm the base of the flooring.

Stop the dirt in its tracks – With any flooring, it will remain looking its best if you stop dirt at the front door. Invest in high quality mats to wipe your feet off before entering. Consider a “no shoe” rule and have each family member take off shoes before moving through the rest of the house. The cleaner you can keep your house, the less dirt will settle onto the flooring. That also means you can avoid using abrasive cleaners that can further harm your floors.

Protect with padding – your home is all about living comfortably. While laminate does have scratch-resistance built into the top layer, it’s equally important to help withstand scratching from some of the most common items inside your home. The kitchen chair can be a lethal weapon to your flooring. Luckily, you can invest in padding and covers that will allow you to freely move your furniture around while adding a little more protection for your floors.

Say YES to laminate flooring

A lot of homeowners come in looking for the perfect flooring to suit their needs. And in the back of their minds, they also question resale value – will people be interested in buying their homes if laminate is installed?

Increasingly, the answer is yes.

Laminate flooring works well in places hardwood traditionally does not. And it carries the look to places where you might have installed something else.

Laminate flooring may be the right choice for your home. The best way to find out is to give us a call today.

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Is Water Resistant or Waterproof Flooring The Best Choice For Your Home?

Why do you buy new flooring? We suspect you purchase it to enhance the look of your home for many years to come. Yes, you have to fall in love with your final choice today. But if it doesn’t look good for years, what’s the point?

That’s what pushes many homeowners to start researching water resistant and waterproof flooring choices. After all, if you’re installing new flooring in the parts of your home you use the most – kitchen, bathrooms, living space – it only makes sense it can take all your family can dish out.

Water resistant or waterproof flooring

The words sound similar, don’t they? In fact, you’ll find water resistant and waterproof are often used interchangeably as you read product descriptions. But we’re here to tell you that they are not the same, not when it comes to flooring.

Let’s say you drop an entire pitcher of water.

Water resistant means that your flooring will stand up to the spilled water for a short time. As long as you jump on it and clean it up immediately, your flooring should be fine.

Waterproof means it can withstand all that water and more, and be just fine.

The longer the water sits on top of your floor, the bigger the problem with water resistant flooring. Waterproof flooring should still be fine, providing the water doesn’t penetrate down through cracks, under wall boards, and seep below the surface.

Let’s talk about certain flooring choices

It’s easy to think of flooring choices that don’t mix well with water in any condition.

Carpeting might be able to take an occasional spill, but only if you clean it up immediately. If allowed to penetrate the fibers and remain wet for any length of time, water damage can quickly occur. A soaked carpet will often generate mold in 24 to 48 hours.

Is Water Resistant or Waterproof Flooring The Best Choice For Your Home?Hardwood, another Colorado favorite, does not mix with water, even for a short period of time. Hardwood flooring is porous, which means moisture can easily be absorbed into the material. Even with small spills, it can cause extensive damage almost immediately, especially if left to sit for any length of time.

You might have already known that those two choices aren’t right for the rooms in your home. If you have a busy household, filled with pets and kids and lots of activity, installing a more resilient flooring is high on your wishlist.

Does that mean laminate? Or maybe vinyl flooring?

We get it. We love our hardwood here in the Rocky Mountains. We’ve talked with many homeowners that are very skeptical about installing anything else.

But there are other great options that can offer both water resistance or waterproof flooring.

Laminate flooring

Let’s start with laminate flooring. Laminate is made out of recycled hardwood. Because of its hardwood core, it can never be waterproof. But laminate is built using multiple layers to give it its strength, and the melamine wear layer will make it water resistant. If you spill water onto the floor, and wipe it up promptly, the floor will suffer no damage. However, if flooring occurs, laminate will quickly saturate with water, which will cause it to warp quickly. It can also allow mold growth.

Luxury vinyl planks

One of the newest wood-look products on the market is luxury vinyl planks. These realistic planks often look so real, you have to get closer to them to determine they aren’t hardwood.

What’s more, luxury vinyl planks offer something you’ll never get with hardwood. They are one-hundred percent waterproof. That means you can enjoy the look of hardwood with the ease of care and maintenance of vinyl. And what makes it even more attractive is the price; it’s an affordable option that will allow you to put it anywhere in your home, especially moisture-prone areas like the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room.

Luxury vinyl is created with several layers that are fused together under heat and pressure. Four separate layers include:

  • The vinyl backing
  • A vinyl core
  • A print layer which gives the planks their classic good looks
  • A clear protective layer, also known as the protective layer, that combines a polyurethane coating with a reinforced layer from ceramic bead, silica bead, or aluminum oxide

The wear layer is one of the most important layers. It determines how well the product will handle under pressure, and how long of lifespan you can expect from your tiles.

Wood-look tile

For some homeowners, a step up might lead them to wood-look tile. Wood-look tiles are any tile that resembles hardwood. Ceramic or porcelain, clay and other materials are compressed together into plank format to resemble different shades of hardwood. They look like hardwood with the care and maintenance friendliness of tile.

Because it’s tile, it’s more scratch-resistant. Do you have pets? You won’t have to worry about scratches from their nails.

Do you suffer from allergies? Tile is a good option because the installation process can keep your indoor air quality in better shape than other flooring options, and you’ll be able to sweep surface dirt away easily.

Another benefit tile brings is that you can install it over radiant heating. In Colorado, cold tile is one of the biggest reasons homeowners look at other options. But if you install it over radiant heating, it can be a great way to keep your room comfy and cozy all year long.

Just be aware that tile is water resistant instead of waterproof. With proper installation, water will never reach the subfloor below the tile. A pro will ensure every tile is properly laid into place, the grout is correctly installed, and the tile is sealed, if necessary.

What’s important to you, water resistant or waterproof flooring?

The good news is, there are many options for finding a good looking floor and combining it with either the water resistance or waterproof base you’re looking for. You don’t have to put up with ugly flooring to get a base your family can live with.

Understanding the differences between water resistant and waterproof is your first step in making the right choice for your home.

Are you ready to see all of your options?

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Do Your Upstairs and Downstairs Flooring Have To Match?

If you look around your neighborhood, chances are most of the homes are multilevel. It’s what we’re used to here in Colorado. Without a lot of space here in the Metro area, we choose to build up rather than out.

And there are a lot of benefits to having multi levels of living.

  • It’s the easiest way to gain more square footage in your home.
  • You can separate out living space from sleeping quarters.
  • It gives you more storage space.
  • It keeps you healthy, running up and down the stairs all day.

Chances are you have stairs in your home too. And while you might not think much about them on an average day, when it comes time to add new flooring, they can be one of your top concerns.

Staircases have always presented a challenge to homeowners when designing their decor. Do you match the stairs with the flooring from the first story? Do you use the flooring from the second story and carry it down? Is it important for the upstairs and downstairs flooring to transition well? What if there is carpet on one floor and hardwood on another? Is there a right choice to make when selecting new flooring?

The goal of good flooring is to improve flow. For staircases, that means having the flooring perfectly transition from one to another. If you do it right, all you’ll notice is the beauty of your home – not how out of place the flooring really looks.

Start with the stairs

Before we talk about the perfect flooring to use on your staircase, take a moment to think about how your family uses the staircase. Also, consider the placement of the stairs within your home.

  • How much of the staircase is visible from each level?
  • Does the staircase make a dramatic visual impact in your home?
  • Is safety a big concern?
  • How much use do the stairs receive each day?

Some staircases make a grand entrance as you walk into the home. Look and style might be everything in that situation.

Do Your Upstairs and Downstairs Flooring Have To Match?While other staircases are more hidden, and play an important role in daily function. You’re up and down dozens of times each day, often with your hands full as you transport things from one floor to the next. Safety would be one of your biggest concerns.

With purpose in mind, it’s easier to make the right choice for transitioning your upstairs and downstairs flooring.

Two separate levels, two separate flooring choices

In most cases, when you’re adding new flooring to a level of your home, you don’t consider other levels.

If you’ve recently renovated the basement, for example, you probably selected flooring based on what’s the best choice for your basement. Hardwood doesn’t work well in a basement environment; it’s damp and runs the risk of moisture. Homeowners often select carpet or even laminate out of necessity. As much as you love your hardwood on the main living floor, it never entered into consideration because you knew it wasn’t the right choice for your situation.

And that’s typically how we approach flooring. We consider the purpose, and choose the right flooring material for the job.

Bedrooms often use carpet because it’s soft, warm, and creates a cozy environment conducive for sleeping. It works.

It’s also the best place to start.

Once you have your ideal flooring in place on each level, only then should you think about transitions. This is how you connect the two to create harmonious living.

Hardwood flooring on both levels

This is one of the easiest choices when deciding on flooring. If both levels use the same flooring, by all means, carry the look onto the staircase too. If both levels use hardwood, for example, carpeted stairs would look a little out of place.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t change things up a bit. How about using a runner for visual appeal? It’s a great way to connect the two, soften things up, and add a pop of color to break up the monotony of everything being the same.

If you don’t want to use a runner, and the thought of any type of carpeting leaves you saying, “no,” try painting a runner in place instead. A painted runner is easy to apply, and if you don’t like the color, repaint it. It’s a great way to be able to freshen up the surroundings with little investment.

Of course, you can always choose to leave them bare. Because you have hardwood up and down, carrying that look to the staircase is one of the easiest decisions you can make. With the finish matching the flooring on both levels, it creates a minimalist, cohesive look.

But even if you’re going with bare wood, consider adding special touches along the way. Landings can always use a different material or painted/stained a different hue. Consider adding a pop of color to the risers to give a different look to your staircase.

Carpeting on one level, hardwood on another

If you have hardwood floors on one level and carpet on another, one of the most common approaches is to carpet the stairs to match. Using the same carpet creates a visual link to what lies above, and gives you a safe way to travel between the two levels.

If carpet on the stairs really isn’t your thing, there are other approaches. Instead of using fully carpeted stairs, consider using a runner in a matching hue. This gives you lead-in lines to connect hardwood to carpet, yet does so in a more sophisticated way. It keeps things crisp and nudges the eye upward and beyond.

If you want to change it up even more, just add more color to the runner. Make sure it coordinates well with the stain from the hardwood, and the hue of the carpet. This can give insight into your personality, and let it shine.

And if you have a staircase with multiple landings, you can choose to play up how you add flooring to the staircase. Maybe you can transition with carpet down to the first landing, then continue with hardwood to match with the different levels.

Options, options, options.

That truly is the name of the game when selecting upstairs and downstairs flooring, and creating the link in between.

How you choose to decorate your staircase is all up to you. And with a little bit of imagination, you can make a beautiful and grand entrance. 

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How To Ensure Your Flooring Match Your Walls

Redecorating your home is a fun process. After all, who doesn’t enjoy picking out new decor items and adding new aesthetics into your living space? Whether you select something from Pantone’s color of the year palette, or move forward with a neutral tone, there’s something about new decor that can inspire you in the weeks and months ahead.

As much fun as it is to start with a clean slate, that can also be intimidating. Where do you start? How do you begin? Walk into any paint department and you’ll find unlimited color potential. Combine that with flooring choices and the possibilities are limitless.

Sometimes it feels as if the best place to begin is not to start at all.

Yet you’re here and looking for advice on how to move forward. We’re glad to help.

Because once you get a few things down, you’ll have a much easier time finalizing your decisions.

Matching vs coordinating – which do you choose?

Before we move forward, it’s important to understand the two concepts of matching and coordinating. These are the foundation of good decor.

Matching means identical. It means the two items are from the same set. They belong together. In the case of making your walls match your flooring, it would mean they are identical in color. In your kitchen, you might use oak wood for the flooring, the cabinetry, and even for the woodwork. When you look across your kitchen it would all blend together.

How To Ensure Your Flooring Match Your WallsCoordinating, however, is a bit different. Coordinating doesn’t mean a perfect match, but they go well together anyway. They may be different shades, hues, or even textures, but when you put them together, they complement one another.

There is an entire industry built around coordinating. Colors, textures, patterns and more can all be artfully chosen to create a unique space. We’re going to stay a bit simpler for this article, but know you can take this as far out as you desire. (And it really is quite fascinating when you dive deep.)

Now that you know the difference between matching and coordinating, you might already be adjusting your plans. To make your floors match your walls, you can carry tile or wood from one section to the next, or you can focus on harmonizing the two to create a cohesive look. Coordinating will give you more freedom in exploring colors, textures, and designs, all the while creating a look that works together beautifully.

Now let’s start with the floors

Now that you have a better idea of the decor terms of matching and coordinating, let’s explore design elements a bit further.

How would you describe your home? Country? Modern? Spanish hacienda? Minimalist?

See how each of those terms brought a different thought to mind?

A home decor built around a country vibe would bring to mind wood and a lot of homey features. Colors will be softer. Vintage fabrics may be used. It’s like picturing a rustic farmhouse your grandmother may have kept.

Spanish hacienda, on the other hand, invokes an entirely different decor. Tile comes to mind. A specific color palette of whites and reds. Lots of plants, plenty of pottery, and a combination of wood and iron.

While curb appeal may set the stage for what lies inside, it’s the flooring that dictates what the look will be throughout the home. Imagine seeing the traditional Spanish hacienda look on the outside, only to walk into a modern structure on the inside. The two looks wouldn’t blend. And frankly, it would probably be difficult to truly love your home because you aren’t sticking with a plan. It’s confusing, and it shows.

Start with the overall feel. What is your home telling you? What’s the right style based on the overall design? That’s your best place to start. It lays the groundwork for your room.

Wall color for wood floors

Here in Colorado, we love our wood floors. While you might choose tile in the bathrooms or carpet in the bedrooms, we’re willing to bet you’ve selected hardwood for many other areas throughout your home. Why? Because it’s timeless and beautiful.

And if you’re redecorating based on your hardwood flooring, it might be difficult to decide what to do. Can you just slap up any paint color and have it go well with any hardwood finish? There is a way to have it flow naturally.

If your hardwood floors have a lighter hue, they will inherently make the room feel a bit larger. To continue with that trend, it’s important to keep your walls as light and bright as you can. Pure white is often too white for homeowners. Luckily, there are many different options to tone it down. Select an undertone in gray or brown. Use a shade of white that further compliments the look you’re trying to achieve. Pick up a few paint charts and start playing with color. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you gravitate towards a specific look.

If your hardwood floors have a darker hue, it’s usually to make a room feel cozier. Think log cabin. Think rustic ski lodge. That’s a perfect look here in Colorado. Dark floors stand up well to bold, beautiful colors. If you want to make a statement, start the aesthetics off with a dark hardwood floor. Just be sure you stick with a similar tone when making your final selection. Dark hardwoods come with many different shades – they can have undertones of blue, red, tan, or yellow. Pick up on this color trend when selecting your wall color shade. It will set the direction for your decor.

Of course, all of this is just the beginning of what you can do to add color elements into your design. How about the ceiling? Or chair rails? Embellishments? Or molding?

And you don’t have to paint the entire room in one color. How about using different colors to make different sections pop? We love big, bold signature walls complemented by a shade of white throughout the rest of the room. It gives your eye someplace to go. It creates a harmonious look and feel.

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