Ben Larrabee, Author at PRO! Flooring

Hardwood Flooring
February 25, 2020

Choosing The Right Flooring For Your Home Wine Cellar

Nothing can help you relax more after a long, hard day than sharing a bottle of wine with your friends. While some prefer to go out and select a bottle from the wine list at their favorite restaurant, others turn wine into a passion they bring into their homes.

A recent report from the National Association of Home Builders found that in the luxury home market where home buyers have an income of $150,000 or more, 31 percent of them list having a wine cellar as a desired amenity. This isn’t just a corner closet where the homeowner slips in a few bottles from time to time. Home wine cellars are meant to be displayed. They have beautiful decor. They showcase a prized investment.

And that means few homeowners will settle for anything but the best when it comes to decor. Of course, you’ll need wine racks and a wine cooler. But before you start bringing in your favorite bottles, there’s something else to think about: the flooring for your home wine cellar.

For most home wine cellars, it’s all about the wine. Row after row of pinot noir, chardonnay, and Syrah line the room. As the bottles add up, they bring a lot of weight, something your flooring will have to take.

The average full wine bottle weighs 2.65 pounds. The average case weighs 30 to 40 pounds. Even a small home wine cellar can weigh one ton or more. That’s a lot of weight for your flooring to take.

The flooring in your home wine cellar will have to support the wine racks, the refrigeration system, furniture, cabinetry, and of course, the wine itself. Choose the wrong floor, and it can buckle under the pressure.

Flooring basics for your wine cellar floor

When you select a floor for your wine cellar, it’s a careful balance between looks and functionality.

Weight – Just 500 bottles can weigh up to one ton. That’s a lot of pressure in one section of your home. While most homeowners select a basement location for a wine cellar, no matter where you choose to put yours, ensure it has the proper support. Also, ensure your flooring choice can handle the pressure without succumbing to cracks and breakage.

Environment – Especially if you are holding wine as an investment, think about the environment as you lay everything in place. Constant temperatures and humidity levels are everything to ensure the wine holds its value. That’s why many wine cellars are built in the basement, so that they can be built over a cement slab. Be sure a proper vapor barrier is in place to avoid moisture.

Durability – Invariably, there will be spills and messes. While you hope never to drop a bottle of your favorite cabernet, it sometimes happens. If you’re sharing dinner with friends, you might shatter a glass. Or drop the fresh catch of the day or even the chocolate cake you meant for dessert. Cleanup should be a breeze without worrying about staining, mildew, or mold.

We’ll just say it – that means NO to carpet. While carpet has its place in your home – plush fibers always feel good in bedrooms on a cold winter morning – carpet and wine cellars don’t mix.

What flooring does work best in a home wine cellar?

Depending on your style and personality, there are a wide variety of flooring options that will work perfectly in your wine cellar.

Stone

Stone has been around for centuries because of its durability and good looks. Depending on which stone you choose, it can be a good addition to your home for decades to come.

Try travertine, granite, marble, or natural stone. For a truly unique experience, don’t stop at using stone flooring for your home wine cellar design; continue the look up the walls as well. A quick search on your favorite design site can help you pick out ideas to incorporate into your own home.

Hardwood

Hardwood is also a natural choice for including in your wine cellar design. If you already have hardwood flooring throughout your home, it’s only natural to continue the look into your wine cellar as well. But don’t be afraid to play it up a bit and create something unique. Because wine cellars are most often closed environments, it’s okay to create a more personalized experience.

You don’t have to stick with the most popular hardwood choices. Think exotic instead. Or mix and match – why not weave several different hardwood styles and colors throughout the floorplan to give you a unique look?

Cork

Cork and wine seem to go hand in hand. Cork is growing in popularity as a flooring option for every room in your home – why not your wine cellar as well? Cork is an eco-friendly option that handles well in all situations. Plus cork also brings a softness factor that stone and hardwood can’t. That softness makes it more enjoyable to walk and stand on, as well as quieter because of its natural shock absorbency.

Plus its cork – did we mention that? It has the look and feel of being naturally placed inside a wine cellar. If you are placing it in a wine cellar, be sure to have it properly sealed so it can withstand the occasional spills.

Vinyl

The luxury vinyl market isn’t what you remember from growing up. Today’s luxury vinyl mimics the wildly popular flooring choices like stone, marble, or hardwood. It gives you the look of the best flooring on the market, while also providing the convenience of vinyl. It’s less expensive than other flooring choices, and is easier to clean and maintain. If you’re looking for a budget friendly flooring choice, you can’t ignore luxury vinyl.

It’s time to make your choice – what flooring do you want for your home wine cellar?

Depending on your personality and style, there’s a perfect choice waiting for you. Your wine cellar should be as unique as the wine cellar you are installing into your home, whether it’s ultra modern, or you’re mimicking an old world cellar from the heart of wine country.

How can we help you make the perfect choice?

Carpet
February 21, 2020

Stainmaster and Stain Resistant Carpeting – What’s The Difference?

When it comes to day to day living, you’ve probably learned just how well gravity works. Between the kids’ juice box remnants all over the family room, and the red wine stains from your last party, your flooring is a checkerboard showcasing your lifestyle.

If it’s time to install new flooring, and you’re shopping for a carpet that will last, chances are you’ve come across manufacturers that promise stain resistant carpeting. In some cases, they even have names like Stainmaster attached to their product line. Stain-proof carpeting; it’s just what you need.

But do the claims really live up to the hype?

Let’s start with carpet durability

Before we even begin to discuss stain resistant carpet, it’s important to understand durability first.

When you’re looking for a carpet that can keep up with your lifestyle, pay close attention to what the carpet is made of. It’s stain resistant qualities are most influenced by the materials used to make it.

That includes the fibers, the backing, and the padding. Many people focus on the fibers only, then select the cheapest padding they can find. The two are created to work together. The padding actually adds the structural support to ensure your carpet has a long life. When you skimp in one area, the wearability will be impacted.

What matters in carpet fibers? A variety of things. Don’t just look at the color and pattern to make your final selection. Most manufacturers will give you several comparable factors to look at as you’re making your final selection.

Face weight – the weight per square yard of carpet
Total weight – face weight plus the weight of the backing
Density rating – this looks at the height of the fiber strand and factors that into how durable the carpet is
Wear rating – this is a subjective rating, often created by the manufacturer. While you can use it for evaluation, it’s more difficult to compare over many brands.
Twist level – this is the number of twists in a one-inch strand. In most cases, higher twists mean a tighter weave, adding to the durability.

All of this can help point you in the direction of carpet that will be a good addition to your home. But there’s also something more that can assure you don’t have unsightly stains from the moment of your first spill.

What is stain resistant carpet?

Now that you know a little bit more about durability, it’s time to understand how this all fits together to create a stain resistant carpet. Stain resistance starts with all of the attributes we mentioned above. It also depends on what the fiber is made of. (We’ll get more into that in a minute.)

Many years ago, people began experimenting with all kinds of materials. Of course, they started with natural products like cotton and wool. But as they learned how to create things in a lab, they quickly discovered that some things are more durable than others.

When you make carpet out of synthetic materials like nylon, it creates a smooth texture, stands up better to water and stains, and isn’t damaged as easily by common problems such as mildew or even pests. That made nylon zoom to the top of carpet manufacturers’ wish lists, and they quickly made it their go-to product for making carpeting.

With an added step, they give carpets a chemical coating that makes the fibers stand up better to certain types of spills. It makes it more difficult for dirt and debris to embed in the fibers. It makes liquid spills sit on the top longer, creating a quick cleanup that’s barely noticeable, if at all.

Of course, this has been morphing over time. Today’s stain resistant carpets are a lot better than what was on the market a decade or two ago.

That means you’ll find a variety of manufacturers, each putting their spin on things. You can find new names promising you a variety of different benefits for your home.

Where Stainmaster fits into everything

Within every industry, there’s usually a leader. A brand that becomes synonymous within the industry itself.

Kleenex did that with tissues.

And Stainmaster did that with stain resistant carpet.

Stainmaster is one of the most recognizable brands of carpet. It also has one of the best warranties within the industry.

Keep in mind that not all dealers can offer Stainmaster carpet. If you’re specifically looking for that brand, find someone who sells the product line.

Stainmaster uses one of the highest quality materials for its carpeting, Nylon 6.6. It’s reinforced with Teflon – yes, that’s the same material you’ll find on your pans, the product that helps repel grease and grime. Because Stainmaster uses this same technology, the carpet fibers avoid most of your daily living messes. It makes maintenance easier, and keeps your carpets cleaner, longer.

Are there other choices?

Like all things, Stainmaster isn’t the only choice you can make and still have stain resistant carpet. For many homeowners, they don’t want to focus just on nylon.

While nylon is one of the most popular materials for carpets, manufacturers realize that different homeowners want different things.

For some, nylon is a lab-made product. It’s made from synthetic materials. If you’re looking for products to make your home a little more eco-friendly, nylon simply won’t do.

Luckily, there are wool carpets for these homeowners. Wool doesn’t have the stain resistant coating sprayed onto the fibers. Instead, wool has a natural resistance to certain types of stains. Wool does a great job of protecting the fibers from many kinds of spills, including certain oils. If your kids spill their juice boxes, you’ll be able to soak it up. And if someone drops their hotdog, and ketchup splatters across the fibers, you’ll be able to remove that too.

But there is a catch; wool is more expensive than synthetic-based carpet. Keep in mind, every carpet has its own limitations. You know your family and lifestyle best. If you bring us what your daily actions are and what your flooring usually faces, we can help you finalize what product would hold up best.

Are you ready for stain resistant carpet?

Like every flooring choice out there, if you want to install stain resistant carpet, there are many different products available.

Start by bringing in your wishlist. We can match them to brands and manufacturers, and help you make the right choice for your home.

Hardwood Flooring
February 18, 2020

Caring For Your New Cork Floor

When people visit our showroom for the first time, in many cases, they have a product already in mind. They also have preconceived ideas about certain products, and how they will act once installed.

Let’s talk about cork floors for a minute. The idea of cork is one that many people would consider. Yet it’s also one where there’s a lot of confusion built in. Cork reminds them of the wine bottle stopper or a bulletin board they had in their dorm rooms. And that type of cork was anything but stable. If flaked away, cracked, and broke apart easily. Why would you ever want that in your home?

Yet when we show homeowners today’s cork flooring, they often give it another look.

If you love hardwood, you’ll love cork.

If you want a durable flooring, cork floors might be your answer.

There are so many reasons why new cork floors might be right for your home, it’s worth a second look.

Why install a cork floor?

Remember when carpet was the standard flooring of choice throughout a home? Not anymore.

We love carpet – we sell a lot of it. But here in Colorado, carpet stays popular in the bedrooms, possibly the home office, a family room, or in the basement. The main living space? Not so much.

That’s where we love our hardwood.

And there’s a good reason for that. Hardwood looks great. But hardwood has its own share of problems. And in some cases, cork flooring can be the answer.

Before you decide on your flooring, ask what you want in a floor. For many people, they define their flooring needs like this:

We want a floor that’s durable – especially if you have kids and pets, or entertain on a regular basis, durability might be at the top of your list.

We want a floor that’s pet-proof – if you do have dogs or cats, your floors take extra abuse. They run on it, dig their nails in for traction. They eat off the floor, and have an occasional accident.

We want a floor that looks great – that’s the reason you upgrade and install new flooring in the first place. Why install something if you hate the look?

We want a floor that offers resale value – if you move shortly after you install new flooring, you want to ensure buyers don’t turn around as soon as they enter your home because of ugly flooring. Will it grab attention and hold it? Will it add value to your home?

Is that how you would define your flooring shopping experience? A lot of homeowners do. Yet many remained married to hardwood. Until they dig a little deeper into their needs and desires.

Take a look at your current home environment. If you’ve never had hardwood before, is your home adaptable to installing hardwood? It’s not always as easy as it sounds. If your subfloor isn’t in the right condition, it might be an expensive endeavor to install hardwood.

Which makes some homeowners look for other options. And once again, cork floors can easily come out on top.

What cork flooring is

Cork flooring isn’t hardwood, and yet it is from a tree. Cork is taken from the cork oak tree. It’s sustainably harvested about every ten years, and then grows back again over time. It does not harm the tree, meaning it can produce cork again and again over its lifetime.

You’ll find cork flooring in a variety of choices. Whether you want a DIY project, or want it professionally installed, there’s a cork flooring style you’re going to love.

Floating cork floors are the newest in the marketplace. They simply click together and install easily. If you want something more traditional and more permanent by nature, you can glue the tiles into place. If you glue them down, you will have to ensure a proper subfloor is in place. But this is fairly easy to accomplish.

Cork is an antimicrobial product, meaning it’s a great choice for a healthier home. It’s also a great insulator, it can cut down on the noise that echoes throughout your home. Want a softer surface than hardwood provides? You’ll love your cork floors.

But one of the biggest reasons people love their new cork floors is because of how easy they are to clean.

Cleaning and maintaining your new cork floor

Just like hardwood flooring, with your new cork floors, spills can be your enemy. The faster you wipe it up, the less chance it will create a problem.

Keep dust, dirt, and other debris off your flooring by sweeping regularly. If these particles sit on the surface, you can grind them in, scratching the surface of the cork. Regular cleaning will keep these particles at bay, and be less of a threat to your flooring overall.

While you can use a vacuum, be sure it is set for hardwood floors. Most vacuums have a beater bar, which is perfect for carpet, not so good for wood. If you run a beater bar across your floors, it can scratch and wear through the finish.

At least once per week, run a damp mop over your cork floors to pick up and residue from spills and messes. Repeat based on your family’s needs and lifestyle. Make sure the mop is damp; wring it out, and wring it out again. The surface should never be allowed to sit damp or wet for long periods.

Be careful what cleaners you choose to use on the surface. Most commercial floor cleaners are too harsh for your cork floor surface. They can quickly penetrate through the surface and damage your flooring. Talk with one of our flooring representatives, or look at your manufacturer’s guidance to find a good product.

Vinegar and water isn’t a good daily solution, contrary to what you might find online. While it is a natural cleaner, if you keep the mixture too strong, it can be abrasive to the finish of the floor. Mix the two at a ratio of 10 to 1, if you are going to use it, and rinse several times to ensure there is no residue.

Thinking about installing new cork floors?

Stop by today and see our complete line of cork flooring. We’ll help you find the perfect product for your home.

Flooring
February 14, 2020

Choose Resilient Flooring For Your Kitchen and Bathroom Projects

Looking for the perfect flooring for your kitchen or bathroom project? Maybe it’s time to give resilient flooring another look.

Resilient flooring isn’t your mom and dad’s flooring choice. It’s come a long way since the vinyl flooring that stretched across the modern home built in the 1900s, thin, often with asbestos, and not very attractive.

Today’s resilient flooring gives you many different choices, vinyl being just the start. How about selecting natural materials such as linoleum? Maybe you want the good looks of hardwood without the fuss. That’s resilient flooring, and more.

Resilient flooring is available in three basic categories:

Sheet – this is a great option when covering large spaces, as it provides you with fewer seams
Tiles – this is easy to install and great for the do-it-yourselfer
Planks – easy to fit together and provides a high quality flooring option

You’ll also find resilient flooring is available in several different installation processes:

Glue down – an adhesive is applied to the subfloor before the flooring is laid into place
Self-stick – tiles come with adhesive already applied to the back, simply put them into place and press down
Floating – this uses interlocking planks that click together

What types of flooring are considered resilient flooring?

According to the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI), only six types of flooring can be considered resilient:

https://rfci.com/

Vinyl
Linoleum
Cork
Rubber
Asphalt
Polymeric poured seamless floor

Polymeric is poured in liquid format, rarely in a residential area.

Asphalt hasn’t been used in residential surroundings for years.

Rubber is often considered a great choice for home gyms or yoga studios, but in general, is left to more commercial surroundings.

That leaves three – vinyl, linoleum, and cork – products used in home environments that meet all the requirements of resilient flooring.

Homeowners migrate to using resilient flooring because of several distinct advantages, including:

It’s durable – when well cared for, resilient flooring can last for decades
It’s flexible – it’s the perfect flooring for subfloors that are less-than-perfect
It’s inexpensive – for budget-minded homeowners, resilient flooring is the ideal choice

Of course, resilient flooring has its own set of disadvantages too.

It’s soft and flexible. And while that can be good in certain situations, small pressure points like chair legs and high heels can indent and damage resilient flooring.

It can detract from the value of your home. Not every homeowner loves the look of resilient flooring. In higher valued homes, it can prevent a potential buyer from placing a bid. It pays to know your neighborhood, and understand the value of what you’re having installed.

Why vinyl may be the perfect resilient flooring choice for your kitchen or bathroom

Vinyl flooring comes in an array of products: sheets, tiles, and planks. They are made up of several layers:

A top coat that protects the wear layer and adds sheen to the overall look
A wear layer that safeguards the pattern layer
The pattern layer that gives the vinyl it’s color, pattern, and looks
The cushion layer that provides texture and give
Fiberglass that gives the product its shape keeps it from rolling and curving
A base layer that provides support to all other layers

Vinyl sheets were invented back in the 1950s and quickly became one of the go-to products to install in a home. Homeowners loved sheets because if its ease. It was easy for an expert to lay a vinyl sheet into place either loosely or glued down for a more permanent performance. It was soft and looked good at the same time.

Over time, vinyl tiles and planks were created for even more options, and quickly became a DIYer’s dream. Tiles and planks are harder and stiffer than sheets, which makes them easier for a DIYer to lay into place. Whether you glue them down or join them and float them over the subfloor, they can be an easy way to change up your floor in no time flat.

No matter which product you select, they can be a great addition to a kitchen or bath. Vinyl doesn’t mind messy spills; they are easy to clean up. If you drop a pot or a pan, vinyl can bounce back and look just as great as before. And because these are rooms where you’ll be cleaning more frequently, vinyl makes the process easy. It’s water resistant, meaning you can wipe up spills and messes without worrying about the condition of the flooring when it’s gone. Keep in mind that vinyl can be slippery when wet, so it’s still a good idea to have bath mats ready when stepping out of the tub or shower.

Why linoleum may be the perfect resilient flooring choice for your kitchen or bathroom

Yes, there is a difference between linoleum and vinyl.

Linoleum was first patented over 150 years ago. It’s a solid but flexible film formed over a layer of linseed oil paint. That makes linoleum a natural and biodegradable material, something some homeowners demand in their flooring choice. In addition to linseed oil, it can also include a host of other natural products, including pine rosin, limestone, cork flour, wood flour, jute, and coloring pigments. Because the coloring will stretch throughout the product, it won’t scratch away as it can with vinyl.

Linoleum isn’t as forgiving as vinyl. Linoleum must be installed over a smooth, level subfloor to ensure its success. If that can’t be assured, installing an underlayment may be needed to ensure its success. Linoleum typically is secured with a flooring adhesive; check manufacturer’s guidelines for specifications.

Linoleum isn’t as flexible as vinyl, and is harder to work with, especially in more challenging areas of your home. There are also fewer choices with patterns and colors, and gives off a yellow hue that will disappear when exposed to light.

But if you’re looking for a green solution to your flooring needs, it’s hard to beat linoleum. And it requires only a basic routine of sweeping and mopping to keep it looking good throughout the day. It also must be treated with a sealer periodically to keep it looking its best.

Why cork may be the perfect resilient flooring choice for your kitchen or bathroom

Cork is growing in popularity because it looks beautiful while providing high end durability. Cork is naturally elastic, making it a great flooring choice to stay soft underfoot and bounce back in certain circumstances. It’s also an environmentally friendly choice, perfect for households that want to go green.

Cork offers a wide variety of color and pattern choices. It is available as both planks and tiles. The texture of cork is dependent on how cork is laid together; small granules give it a more traditional cork look, or use larger granules for a more textured appearance.

You can even choose from different composition types. Want an even more environmentally friendly option? How about constructed from recycled wine corks? Or stick with an engineered cork flooring that can float or click into place.

Which resilient flooring is right for you?

Are you looking at changing out the flooring of your kitchen or bath? Maybe it’s time to give resilient flooring another look.

It’s the perfect way to add beauty and aesthetics to your overall design, while creating an environment that’s easy to clean and is durable for years to come.

Stop by today and see our complete line of resilient flooring. You’re going to love the look.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
February 13, 2020

Refinish Your Old Hardwood Floors or Replace

It’s a tale as old as time. You’ve had hardwood floors since you first purchased your home. You love them. But lately, they’re looking a bit worn.

Like the scratches in the hallway from where the dogs love to play.

And the rough patch in the corner where you didn’t notice the standing water for days. You tried to buff it out, but now it just looks worn. It looks like raw wood, even a little warped.

So now you’ve reached a point when you’re wondering what to do. Should you refinish your old hardwood floors? Or is it time to replace them instead?

Most people buy hardwood with the intent to keep them forever. They say hardwood can last for decades, so you assumed it would be a one time purchase.

However, this might not be the best thing to do in your situation. How do you know?

Start with knowing your floors

Before you determine which way to go, it’s important to get to know your flooring a little better. If you laid your hardwood into place years ago, then you know the type of hardwood you have. But if you’ve recently moved in, or are upgrading a fixer upper, you have to figure it out before you decide what’s next.

The easiest way is to find a floor vent where you can pop it out and take a look at the construction of the floorboard. If it looks layered, it’s engineered. That means there’s only a small surface that can be refinished, and you’ll have to check with professionals to see if it’s possible.

Solid wood is typically ¾ to 1 inch thick. Different types of hardwood hold up better to continual sanding and refinishing. Pulling up a plank will help you get close and personal with the hardwood, separating it from the subfloor beneath. It will also allow you to bring it in so we can help you determine the quality of the wood itself.

Assess the hardwood floor damage

While certain types of damage can easily be removed, others completely ruin your floor. The last thing you want to do is to take the time and expense of refinishing the floor, only to have problems almost immediately after. The things that can ruin your hardwood include:

Rough wear and tear –Kids playing on the floor is normal wear and tear. Kids beating your floor with a toy is not. Spilling food on your floor and wiping it up quickly is normal wear and tear. Leaving red wine sitting for days is not. A lot of damage is simply caused by not using common sense.

Cleaning methods – You can’t use the same products you use to clean your bathtub or kitchen counters on your hardwood floors. Water, chemicals, and hardwood don’t mix. If your hardwood floors are allowed to sit damp for extended periods of time, it will quickly start to decay. At the most, use a very dry damp mop on occasion to pick up messes and spills. Use a swiffer or soft-bristled broom on a regular basis, or choose a vacuum designed for hardwood. If you need further cleaning, ensure you use a cleaner approved for your hardwood – check with manufacturer’s guidelines before using anything, as you could void the warranty.

Pets – Dogs and cats can be hard on hardwood floors. Their nails can create deep gauges that become irreparable over time. If you choose to have hardwood with pets, be sure to install hardwood that ranks high on the Janka scale. Brazilian walnut or maple, for example, are harder than other types of wood, and do a better job at withstanding scrapes and scratches. To reduce impact, be sure to keep nails short and trimmed. Consider laying rugs down where pets spend the most amount of time.

Lifestyle patterns – You should also assess the way your family lives. It’s a good idea to take off shoes as you enter. It can keep your house cleaner, and help you avoid tracking in dirt and debris. Does that leave your mudroom or entryways always taking the brunt of the mess? Then by all means, consider using a different flooring product in these areas that are more prone to messes. If you have a home with smaller kids, you may also have areas that are more likely to sustain messes. Are these areas that can be fixed by installing different types of flooring? Can you lay down rugs? Kids grow. Families change. If you can change your patterns in the short term, knowing you’ll enjoy what’s in place for the long term, sometimes your final decisions make sense.

Is refinishing your hardwood floors the right thing to do?

A lot of people invest in hardwood flooring for the very reason it will last a lifetime. With refinishing, you can make the old flooring look new, especially when you’re ready for a change.

But ultimately, it comes down to making the right decision. As we’ve already discussed, a variety of things you’ve been living with have impacted your floors to the point where refinishing doesn’t make sense. If furniture or pets nails have dug so deep, you might not be able to sand or buff the damage out.

It also comes down to looks. With all of the new choices on the market today, do you want to stick with the wood planks currently in place? Today’s options include a wider variety of hardwoods, different stain possibilities, and even different plank size. Maybe you’ve wanted to explore exotic hardwood now that the kids have finally moved to college.

Sanding can’t remove water damage, especially if it’s seeped through the cracks and has impacted the subfloor. And if mildew or mold has filtered underneath, it’s time to start over with a clean slate.

You can only sand down wood so far before the structure is compromised. If it’s engineered wood, it’s only the top layer that can be changed. And if your flooring is still under warranty, in most cases, it becomes void as soon as you start the refinishing process.

Is replacing your old hardwood floors the right thing to do?

Replacement is obviously your best choice is your current floor has been compromised. If there are issues you can’t fix, replacement is the only way to go.

It also makes sense if you are doing extensive remodeling. Are you restructuring the kitchen? Adding on a new room? To keep the flow of your home, replacing is the perfect way to create seamless transitions throughout your living space.

Another benefit is the benefit of having new flooring installed quicker than refinishing. Depending on how extensive the refinishing project is, you might have to move out of your home while sanding, buffing, staining, and adding the topcoat takes place. If you replace your old flooring, it takes far less time, meaning you can return to your lifestyle sooner. This can be especially beneficial if you’re upgrading for an event that will take place in your home.

Conclusion

So what’s the best route for you?

Will you be refinishing the hardwood floors in your home? Or is it time to look at alternative options?

No matter where you are in the decision process, one of the best steps you can take is by stopping by to consider your options carefully. We can make suggestions and show you ways to upgrade your old spaces and create a look you’ve been dreaming of.

How can we help you today?

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
February 7, 2020

Will I Be Happy With Cork Floors?

When you decide to upgrade your flooring, there’s a lot to consider. If you already have carpet installed, it’s easy just to replace it with new carpeting. You know how it wears. You’re used to the maintenance. Why change it up?

Yet sometimes you’re ready for a change. Maybe you’ve been living with your current flooring for years, and it’s time for something new.

Do a little research and you’ll find many new products that could make a great addition to your home decor. Why not cork floors?

Why choose cork floors for your home

What do you think of when someone mentions cork? Wine bottles? Bulletin boards? Flimsy panels that chip away easily?

Put all of that aside. Cork flooring is becoming more popular than ever before because they’re durable, beautiful, and eco-friendly.

If you’ve always wanted a wood floor, consider cork instead. Cork technically is a wood flooring product. In order to produce cork flooring, manufacturers harvest cork tree bark. But unlike hardwood that requires the entire tree to be chopped down, cork bark is removed from the tree, with it growing back after several years of time. That means manufacturers can continue using the same trees again and again, for decades at a time. In fact, some cork trees can live as long as 800 years!

For homeowners trying to go green, this is the perfect product to consider for your flooring. It’s eco-friendly and sustainable, making it a great choice for your home.

What are the benefits of using cork for flooring?

In addition to being a sustainable, eco-friendly product, cork flooring has a wide array of benefits that make it an ideal choice for many homeowners.

Durable – people install hardwood because it stands up to the abuse your family dishes out each day. It’s no different with cork flooring. It resists scratches and cracks, and is water-resistant too. Of course, it won’t withstand flooding, or large puddles of water that go unnoticed. But if you care for it and wipe up spills immediately, you’ll love the way it looks.

Comfortable – homeowners love cork because it’s soft underfoot. If you stand for long periods at the kitchen counter, the softness can help alleviate back pain. That’s because cork has a natural cushion when compressed, it bounces back. That also makes it a great choice for aging in place. It looks just as beautiful as hardwood, but if someone falls, it has a bit more give. That cushion also provides a natural acoustic insulator, meaning you won’t have the noise factor associated with some laminates and engineered hardwoods.

Fire-resistance – in Colorado, fire-resistance can be a big deal. Cork only ignites at very high temperatures. And if it burns, it releases fewer toxins into the air than other types of synthetic flooring. Better for the environment; better for your health.

Health – speaking of health, cork is also a natural product, meaning it won’t have the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with other types of flooring. Cork is naturally resistant to mildew and mold, and has an anti-microbial product as well. Because it’s natural, it doesn’t off-gas when installed into your home. Just be conscious about the installation process, avoiding glues and adhesives that may negate the natural qualities.

Aesthetics – if you’re looking for a product that can go with all of your decor, last for years, and look great too, look no further than cork flooring.

Another plus … processing

One of the reasons cork is growing in popularity is because of its sustainability. Because the cork tree can live hundreds of years, it won’t impact the environment like other flooring choices.

But the sustainability of cork flooring stretches beyond growth and harvesting. The manufacturing process for cork also generates very little waste. That’s because the cork used for flooring is actually a byproduct of the cork harvested for wine bottles. The cork left over is ground finely and bound together to create cork flooring panels.

The manufacturing process is where textures, patterns, and colors all come to fruition. If you want the most natural, eco-friendly product available, talk with one of our sales team who can point you in the right direction.

Is cork a good choice for kitchen flooring?

Are you sold on cork? Ready to install it?

Still nervous about installing cork in your kitchen?

Don’t be. We find that cork flooring holds up well in most households. Of course, only you know your lifestyle, and what a typical routine looks like in your home. But we find most novice chefs really aren’t as messy as they imagine.

If you spill, wipe it up. Sweep your floors regularly to keep particles from grinding into the finish. Mop with a damp cloth regularly to avoid stains from penetrating into the flooring. And that’s it.

Just a little common sense goes a long way.

Plus, you’ll get the added bonus of having one of the softest flooring choices you can put into your kitchen decor. If you like to spend the weekends baking away, or love cooking dinner for the family, you’ll notice the difference on how well your body enjoys standing on cork flooring.

What are the disadvantages of cork flooring?

An article on cork flooring wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t tell you about the disadvantages. There are just a few.

Cork is susceptible to damage. Like every flooring, the rougher you are to the surface, the more it will show damage. If you don’t wipe it up, it has the possibility to stain. If you drop something hard, it might dent or knick the surface. If you wear high heels, you might puncture the finish. If you scrape something heavy across the floor, you might damage the surface. In other words, think about your actions before you do it.

Cork is soft, which means it can be dented. If you drop something sharp, you will be able to see it. If you place a piece of furniture on it with pointy legs, it may leave a mark. If you’re worried about indentions, consider placing support underneath the legs first.

Cork may not work with pets. Especially if your dogs love to run around the house playing chase. Every time they dig in for traction, they risk scratching the surface and leaving permanent marks.

Cork isn’t waterproof. While it can withstand the occasional spill providing you wipe it up quickly, it isn’t entirely watertight, especially with standing liquid. Cork can have optional sealants, which will increase water-resistance. But keep in mind that it can warp, curl, and discolor if water is a continuous problem.

Cork can fade. If your floors get consistent sunlight spilling across, discoloration may occur. Consider blocking sunlight with curtains or blinds. And if you have multiple hours of direct sunlight every day, it may be wise to consider a different flooring option.

Is cork flooring the best choice for your home? Only you can decide. But if you’re ready to see the latest options for cork floors, stop by our showroom today.

Hardwood Flooring, Tile Floors
February 4, 2020

Hardwood or Tile: What’s The Best Choice For Your Kitchen?

Take a look around your home right now. It’s probably a place you’ve loved for years.

Yet if you look even closer, you’ll hone in on the problem spots, the areas you would change if you could.

Studies show the kitchen is always at the top of that list. According to a Houzz survey, 43 percent of respondents remodeled the kitchen because they no longer could stand the old. An additional 40 percent said they would if they could, it’s on the top of their wish lists, and they’ll do it as soon as budget allows.

But to get the kitchen just right, it takes a pretty significant investment. Remodeling Magazine stated the average person budgets between $5,000 and $50,000 for a kitchen remodel, whereas the actual costs average somewhere around $64,000. Of course, what you spend is entirely up to you and where your desires lie. Some people dream of a complete remodel, from flooring to countertops to cabinets and updated decor.

No matter what your idea of a kitchen remodel is, one way to get the biggest bang for your buck is to start at the bottom – replace your kitchen floors, and you’ll see a marked improvement in the way your kitchen looks.

What should you buy? Is hardwood or tile the best choice for kitchen flooring?

Let’s look at both to help you determine the best choice for your home.

Why choose hardwood kitchen floors

It’s hard to argue that hardwood offers a timeless classic look you’ll love for years to come. Here in Colorado, there’s something rustic about hardwood flooring. We use it everywhere, from residential to commercial applications, from small houses to ski chalets deep in the Rocky Mountains.

And even when you decide to install hardwood floors in your kitchen, your decision making doesn’t stop there. Colorado has relatively dry weather year round. That makes it important to choose a hardwood that handles well in dry conditions. Choices can include:

Bamboo
Red oak
White oak
Hickory
Walnut
Brazilian cherry
Maple
Ash

They’re all beautiful. They all make great choices throughout your home. They all can be versatile additions to your overall decor. It depends on how dark or light you wish to go, and how much maintenance work is acceptable for your lifestyle.

https://pro-flooring.com/does-hardwood-plank-width-matter/

If you’re thinking about selling your home at some point in the future, you can never go wrong installing hardwood in the kitchen. Not only will it look great and handle well for you, but it’ll also be a welcome sight for potential buyers who come through your doors. Statistics show hardwood flooring has a 70 to 80 percent return on investment. People love them, you can’t go wrong with that.

Some people design a kitchen for its looks, while others concern themselves more with functionality. If you fall in the latter category, you’ll love the durability of hardwood. It stands up well under pressure, it cleans up easily when you stay on top of messes as they happen. But more than anything, they handle well when you stand in your kitchen cooking up a storm. That’s because hardwood is actually a softer flooring choice. It’s a more resilient surface, and gives way under pressure. You’ll notice it more – or should we say less – on the pressure of your legs and back.

Let’s back up for a moment and think big picture. What flooring choices have you made throughout the rest of your home? Do you have hardwood stretching from the front door to the back? Do you use hardwood on the stairs? Does it extend into your living spaces, the family room, the home office, and the den? Then, by all means, extend hardwood into one of the most popular rooms in your home – your kitchen. Having the same surface running throughout will give you the perfect blend for your decor. Rather than having it look a bit choppy, stopping abruptly at the threshold of your kitchen, continue it on for a seamless transition.

Remember, your kitchen flooring choice is all about you, your personality, your lifestyle, and what you truly desire.

Why choose tile kitchen floors

Let’s consider tile for your kitchen floors for a moment. There’s something timeless and classic about the look, isn’t there? Tile is perfect for all climates, all spaces, and can create any kind of mood in your kitchen space.

People select tile for a number of reasons. We’ll start with durability. Kitchens can be messy places. They are most likely to have a lot of spills and accidents. Because tile floors are water-resistant, they make cleaning a snap. Which would you rather have when you drop a jar of pickles – tile or hardwood? With hardwood, you might be smelling remnants of pickles for weeks to come.

Even though you’ll have a variety of choices, if you select hardwood, you’re still limited by color and width of the planks. But with tile, when designers tell you there’s unlimited possibility, they truly aren’t kidding. If you can think it, you can design it with tile. Colors, patterns, sizes, textures, possibilities – it really is an endless supply of options. You don’t have to select one size, shape, or color, and go with that. Instead, you can add your own personality into it, add borders of different colors, and mix it with patterns and even shapes. Your kitchen tile floors can truly be an expression of your personality, they can be artwork in their own way.

Maybe you want the look of hardwood, with the ease of cleanup that goes with tile. No worries; there’s a tile for that. Yes, today’s tile floors can even mimic the look of hardwood. It gives you the ability to go with an exotic look that wouldn’t handle well under the pressure of being in a kitchen.

There’s also another reason we like tile for kitchen floors: radiant heating. One of the biggest reasons Coloradoans doubt tile is because it’s often thought to be a cold flooring choice. But if you add radiant heating underneath, it can actually be a smart way to heat your home. It can keep your feet warm while you make pancakes for the family on the weekends. It can help warm up the most popular room in your home while you’re sharing a glass of wine in the evenings.

And tile floors are a lot easier to replace. They don’t need acclimation to your home the way hardwood does. They can be replaced individually if you have a problem without needing extensive repair.

Is it better to have hardwood or tile in the kitchen?

So what’s it going to be? They both have advantages, and both have their weaknesses. Ultimately, it’s about what you prefer. Do you want hardwood for your kitchen floors? Or is tile the better solution for your kitchen remodel? Either way, stop by and let us help you select the right flooring choice for your home.

Hardwood Flooring
January 30, 2020

Are Pets A Dealbreaker For Hardwood Flooring

We as Americans love our pets. According to a recent study by the American Pet Products Association, 67 percent of all Americans own a pet. And if you take a quick look around the Rocky Mountain region, you’ll find that Coloradoans take that to heart.

Walk anywhere in LoDo, and you’ll see dogs visit the street cafes as often as their humans. Hit the slopes, and you’ll find dogs often tag along. Even seeing cats out for a walk with their owners is now more commonplace than ever before.

Head indoors, and you’ll find even more pets, not just dogs and cats. Birds, rabbits, and other small animals often share living space with their human friends.

If you’re one of the 67 percent that has invited a pet to share your space, you already know you have to make certain adjustments to have a beautiful home and care for a pet at the same time.

Most interior designers will tell you pets and hardwood flooring don’t often go together. Pets impact hardwood floors in two ways – urine and scratches from toenails. Are they always a deal breaker with your hardwood floors?

Will dog claws scratch hardwood floors?

Dogs can be especially brutal to hardwood floors. Those sharp toenails dig in as they go around and around with a game of tag. Or maybe they can spend hours playing fetch with their favorite toys or a ball.

Dogs also weigh a lot more than cats or other small furry animals. When they jump, pounce, dance, and charge, they use all of the power in their front feet to gain traction. That means they dig those claws into your flooring just a little bit, looking for any way possible to go a bit faster.

But no matter how big your dog is, or how many games of chase they like to play, there are ways to counter the damage they can do to your hardwood floors.

Your first job is to realize your hardwood floors will need a little more protection than the average home. You’ll need to apply protective coatings to the finish, and perform maintenance more frequently to keep your floors looking their best. Does it take a little more bite out of your budget, and more time to ensure your flooring looks its best? Of course. But if you want a stylish home and a furry BFF too, it’s important to know what you’re in for before you have hardwood installed.

How to keep hardwood floor maintenance to a minimum

Before you head in and select the hardwood flooring perfect for your home, it’s important to have a better idea of the maintenance required to keep them looking their best no matter what your pet dishes out.

Use more protective coatings – Whenever you purchase hardwood flooring, it’s important to realize that each manufacturer and product is created with “average” in mind. Our goal is to point you to the material that will perform well under pressure, and hold up no matter what you and your family can dish out. But in the end, every product still can have a few boosters to give it even more strength.

Each layer of protective coating adds another layer to the surface. When pets nails hit the floor and scratch it, they are scratching the protective coating first, the hardwood next. With more protective layers, it takes longer for pet’s nails to penetrate into the flooring. That’s why adding several layers of protective coating in the beginning, may be your best solution.

Use a tougher coating – Of course, you can only apply so many protective layers to the hardwood before it becomes counterintuitive. Do a little research, and you’ll find that there are different brands and manufacturers that create top coats for various purposes. Find one that bonds better and creates a tougher shell for more protection.

Handling scratches as they appear – As surface scratches start to appear, you can use a stain-filler marker that matches the stain finish of your hardwood. This can keep your flooring looking as new as possible until the scratches start moving below the surface level, and actually into the hardwood itself.

Then it’s time to sand the surface, restain it to match the coloring of your floors, and reseal it with a polyurethane finish. Be sure to talk with one of our flooring consultants as you purchase your hardwood floors. We can provide you with tips on what colors to choose for your markers and stains, as well as provide you with top coat finishes to ensure they match your existing product as you refinish or replace small sections of your flooring.

Keep pet nails well groomed – It might be overstating the obvious, but pay attention to the condition of your pets’ paws. Wipe off their paws when they enter from outside to ensure sand and grit aren’t tracked onto your hardwood. Keep toenails clipped and short, building grooming sessions into your schedule every week.

Rugs are your best friends too – Hardwood and rugs just go together. Place rugs by every entrance to ensure your pets have a chance to wipe their paws before they step onto the hardwood. Use them in places your BFF might need a little more traction to help stay safe, like hallways or stairs. You can also place them in family rooms where your pets spend more time hanging out and playing with you.

Pet urine … the biggest problem

When you have pets, at some point in time, you will have accidents on your floor. And those small puddles of urine are the biggest potential problem that can impact hardwood flooring.

If you see your pet making a mess, and notice the puddle immediately, clean it up as fast as you can. Unfortunately, pets are notorious for sneaking and hiding their problems in far-off places. That means that puddle can sit for hours, possibly even days before it’s discovered.

As urine sits, it decomposes. It becomes more alkaline and more corrosive as it sits. If you’ve ever found old puddles to smell a bit like ammonia, there’s a reason for that. And ammonia and hardwood flooring don’t mix.

This happens even more frequently when the puddle is covered up. Has your pet found a favorite place to mark its territory, in the corner of a room, or on the side of a rug? It can keep the liquid from drying, making the corrosive properties even stronger.

If you suspect a puddle to have been there longer than a few hours, spot with a mild acid – vinegar should do the trick. Let the area dry completely, which could take several days to a week or more. You’ll also have to work on the pet’s behavior, because pets are notorious for returning to a spot once it’s marked.

If the stain is too deep, the only way to repair it is to sand it down, or to replace the boards altogether if they’ve warped.

Do pets and hardwood floors go together?

They aren’t always a deal breaker.

If you love your pets but are considering hardwood floors too, stop by today. We have a wealth of information we can share with you on how to bring the two together, and create a home you’ll love for years to come.

Vinyl Floors
January 26, 2020

How Vinyl Floor Impacts The Environment

Are you looking for a sustainable flooring option? Want a flooring that doesn’t hurt the environment?

For many homeowners, sustainability is becoming one of their top shopping preferences. Not only is it better for the environment to think green before you buy, but it’s also important to bring materials into your home that won’t impact your family’s health too.

When you think green, a lot of materials come to mind. Wood. Bamboo. Wool. Yet most people rarely think about vinyl as being a green product. They are surprised to learn that vinyl floors can be environmentally friendly.

John Elkington defined the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) approach to sustainability back in 1994. According to Elkington, the Triple Bottom Line approach gives you a way to assess any product you choose to bring into your home based on three criteria. Look at:

The cradle to grave impact of the product
How the manufacturer contributes to sustainability throughout the company and the community
How economic stable the manufacturer is

How does vinyl flooring compare?

How vinyl floor is made

Vinyl flooring is made of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. Depending on the manufacturer, it has a variety of materials added to create its individualistic looks.

The primary element in vinyl flooring is a vinyl sheet. Manufacturers suspend vinyl in a liquid mixture that is then spread into a thin sheet and rolled to the desired length and width. Plastic coating is fused and dried to create a tough, durable material.

Vinyl sheets can be produced in many sizes and shapes. It can be sold in sheet format, cut into 6, 9, or 12 inch square tiles, or be cut into plank shapes.

All vinyl tile has several layers. It begins with a core layer of vinyl over a felt backing. Some vinyl floors have a very thin decorative layer that creates patterns and colors. A thin plastic layer can add to the durability and provide a relatively maintenance-free, scuff-resistant surface.

Think of the backing as the strength, the top layer as the wear layer. The two must work together to give you a high-quality product. The backing can be made in a similar fashion to papermaking, using things like limestone and clay.

Of course, what the final product is made from is up to the manufacturer. Resilient flooring now makes up about 14 percent of the flooring marketplace, meaning there’s a lot of room for both top of the line and less than reputable companies to do business with. That’s why it’s important to stick with a flooring company you can trust. If you do business with a reliable flooring company, they will only suggest manufacturers that make a high-quality product.

Harmful chemicals

If you do a search for the reasons why people don’t like vinyl floor, it almost always has to do with the chemicals used both in production of the flooring, and in the product itself. And for good reason. If you go back decades ago, before harmful chemical usage was researched, you’ll find a wide variety of materials were used to create vinyl.

Asbestos was high on the list of harmful chemicals. Asbestos was once thought to be a great insulator, as well as adding fire-retardant features to all it was added to. Once it was determined how toxic the material really was, all usage was halted. Even though you can still find asbestos in older insulation and vinyl flooring, care must be used when remodeling and taking the old products out.

Formaldehyde was another highly toxic chemical used in vinyl flooring. Formaldehyde is often mixed into the glues and adhesives used in vinyl production. Urea-formaldehyde has the greatest risk factors, causing respiratory and nervous system problems such as chest pain, shortness of breath, increased risk of asthma and allergies in kids and adults.

Depending on the manufacturer used, you can find a host of other harmful chemicals used in production. Lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, dioxins, chloride, and phthalates are all toxic and irritants to the human body in some format.

The best way to get a vinyl flooring product that doesn’t use harmful chemicals is to ask. It’s the only way you can be sure you’re getting a top of the line product that has low or no risk factors you don’t want to bring into your home, or have impact the environment.

Environmental impact after installation

When most homeowners consider flooring options, they focus on the product before they choose and install. But if you are making the best choice for the environment, it’s important to consider all levels of the life cycle, including after installation.

What about durability? If you have a flooring option that handles well, is durable, and can withstand lots of activity and traffic, it means less chance of having to replace it quickly. If properly cared for and installed, vinyl floor can last as much as 20 years or even longer. If you don’t have to replace it as often, it saves on waste and the environmental impact of having it removed and sending it to the landfill.

Vinyl floors cannot be refinished. That means when they wear out, they will have to be replaced. Yet one of the best reasons to use today’s vinyl flooring tiles and planks is because it’s a relatively easy process to remove and replace them. Simply pull up the damaged tile or plank and tap the new one into place. You’ll add longevity to your flooring by only having to replace impacted areas.

Which also brings us to end of life. As a whole, vinyl flooring cannot be recycled, and it is not biodegradable. If you send it to the landfill, it just sits there taking up space indefinitely. Vinyl flooring is hard to recycle because of the different material makeup of the vinyl throughout. It’s tough removing the vinyl from the backing from the adhesive, meaning it’s next to impossible to recycle the parts that are truly recyclable.

This is changing too. As a whole, the industry knows it will have to change in the future. That’s why you’ll find the best manufacturers in the flooring industry doing their part now. Armstrong, for instance, has its own recycling program to keep product out of the landfills. It’s also finding other creative ways to recycle and use different products in different ways.

Is a vinyl floor in your future?

There are different flooring products for all kinds of homes, all kinds of people, all kinds of tastes. If you are leaning towards the durability and strength of vinyl flooring, don’t hold back. Today’s vinyl flooring can be a sustainable purchase that won’t harm the environment. Go with a reputable company that is working hard to make our future better. Ask us how.

Carpet
January 20, 2020

8 Ways To Use Carpet Tiles In Your Home

You love your hardwood floors. But maybe you have a room where you want something a bit different. Why not give carpet tiles a try?

Carpet tiles have long since been a favorite in the commercial sector, with carpet tiles representing 60 percent of the commercial carpet market. But as people continue to use them in office settings and find out how beneficial they are, they are putting them into their homes too.

Why? Because they’re so versatile! Once you give them a try, you’re going to find many uses for them throughout your home.

What are carpet tiles?

Carpet tiles are, as the name implies, squares of carpet that can be fit together inside your room. They usually are cut to 24 x 24 inches, or 18 x 18 inches square, but with their popularity, you’ll find them in all sorts of sizes.

Homeowners love them because they are easy to handle and care for in do-it-yourself fashion. If you buy broadloom carpet and try to install it yourself, you can face a variety of problems. It takes talent to install, hide seams, stretch, and tack into place.

Not so with carpet tile. Because they are easy to handle, virtually anyone can install them in minutes.

Want a few tips on how to use them inside your home? Read on.

Install them easily

One of the best reasons to use carpet tiles throughout your home is because they are super easy to install. As a do-it-yourselfer, it’s an easy project to take on.

Maybe you’ve been watching the home improvement shows on television. Maybe you’re just looking for a way to make your room stand out without spending a lot of money. Carpet tiles can be one of the best solutions. Just make sure the subfloor is prepared correctly. Then select your tiles, ensure you have enough for the size of your room, and install them. It’s literally that easy.

Add a punch of color to any room

Most homeowners like a more subdued, natural color in the main living spaces of the home. But there’s always one room where you want the freedom to express yourself. Maybe a playroom, a craft room, or a music room. Maybe you have a creative child who’s dying to bring wild colors into their space. Carpet squares are the way to do that easily.

What’s even better is the fact that they are as easy to take out as they are to put in. If your creative genius mixes up the colors, then decides they want to change things up, you can do so easily. It’s a great way to help build their confidence and let them have fun with their newfound decorating skills.

Avoid labor costs and replacement issues

Carpet tiles can be less expensive than many other flooring options you may look at. What’s more, because you can do it yourself, you can save on labor and installation costs too. And because carpet tiles are laid directly onto the subfloor, you won’t have the added expense of carpet pads either. It truly can be a fun way to save money and create a unique space you’ll love.

Carpet tiles are perfect for high traffic areas where spills and other messes may be a problem. How about installing them in a wine cellar? You won’t have to worry about dropping a bottle or spilling when you cork your favorite blend. They are easy to clean. And if you do stain an area, just lift up the tile and put a new one into place. For that reason, it’s a good idea to order a few extra, to replace damaged tiles as they happen.

Put them in the most high traffic areas of your home

Have you watched the way your kids tear up their playroom? They build all kinds of wild and creative settings as they imagine the day away.

Of course, that snack they snuck up into the playroom often gets entangled in the action. Ground up cookies, spilled juice, and even the occasional melted candy bar can really pack a punch on your flooring.

But with carpet tiles, you don’t have to worry about the mess. It’s easier to clean up as they occur. And if something happens that you can’t remove, just replace the tile, and it’ll look as good as new.

Worried about not having enough tiles or not having the colors match? Why not mix and match? Select several different colors all in one similar range. Then piece them together, so the colors interweave. If you run out of a color, you can always shop for more, never worrying about how they will integrate with each other. Every new color simply adds to a new look.

Carpet tiles are durable

Home office work is rising every year. Over 3.7 million workers telecommute at least part of their workweek. Over 15 million are self-employed. That makes home offices not just a convenience, it puts them more in demand than ever before.

Yet what flooring works in a bedroom or living space doesn’t necessarily work for office functionality. That plus carpet is hard to roll through with an office chair. Yet its the perfect environment to get creative and install carpet squares instead.

Stay subtle and blend it with the rest of your home’s decor. Play up the color of your company brand. Or make it uniquely your own, to provide motivation through color as you work through your busy days.

Avoid seams

Do you have an oddly shaped room? Do you always have to buy a lot more flooring just to make it work? That’s a lot of waste.

If you select wall to wall carpet, it most likely comes in 12 foot widths. Yet how many rooms are perfectly 12 feet? Playrooms and home offices are often tucked into corners of the home. Homeowners are brilliant at being able to create space from nothing. Storage closets, wine cellars, game rooms and more can all be added creatively to give you exactly what you want from your home.

And once you have your creative juices flowing, with carpet squares, you’ll never have to worry about having a seam in the worst place possible. Or pay for extra carpet that will never be used, just to piece it together into a corner. Just tuck the carpet square in, cut it to size, and press it into place.

Clean up for health

Some of the most popular rooms in your home are also the messiest.

The playroom where your kids grind in the dirt
The gameroom where you spend your nights and weekends
The craftroom where paints, clays, and more can linger forever

And once the dirt and grime are in place, it can impact your health as well as be an unsightly mess.

The EPA has stated that indoor air quality is often worse than outside air. Since carpet tiles have lower pile, they trap less dirt, and are easier to clean. That means they can be a better alternative for creating a more eco-friendly living space in your home.

Give you better water protection too

Even carpet tiles are still carpeting; they will never stand up to standing water. But when you compare carpet tiles with wall to wall carpeting, you will find they stand up to moisture better over time. They’re easier to clean, meaning you can clean up that spill quickly and not have it impact the fibers. Because there isn’t a carpet pad, moisture won’t seep through. And if you do sustain damage, it’s easier to correct the problem by replacing individual tiles.

Are you ready to install carpet tiles in your home? We can help. Stop by today and see our complete selection, and find one perfect for the look you’re trying to create.

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