Ben Larrabee, Author at PRO! Flooring

Carpet, Flooring
November 2, 2019

Carpet Density – What You Should Know

Have you ever wondered why carpet is as thick and plush as it is? It isn’t by accident.

Imagine a carpet with a few scraggly fibers sticking up. You wouldn’t want that in your home. When you purchase new carpet, you expect a certain quality. That’s why, over time, rules and regulations started filtering into the carpet industry to protect you when you finalize your purchase.

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) establishes regulations about carpet weight and density, to require manufacturers to create products that meet certain requirements. They’ve created two categories: one for single or multiple family dwellings, and one for elderly or care facilities.

Buying new carpet isn’t an easy endeavor. When you upgrade your carpet, you hope for a long life. If you get anything but the best, it’ll start to fail quicker, and you’ll be more convinced you made a costly mistake.

If you want to make a wise choice about the carpet you have installed, get past the color or pattern and dig deep down to the carpet grade. Your carpet’s specifications are the only way to know you’re installing the right product for the foot traffic you have in your home. The wrong grade will wear out faster, and will show the wear sooner rather than later.

Carpet Weight

Face weight is the weight of the fiber used in the manufacturing of the carpet pile. Face weight refers to the total ounces each square yard of fiber is. This does not include the weight of the carpet backing – that’s included in the total weight.

In general, you’ll find carpet across a full spectrum of face weight, somewhere from 20 to 100 ounces. For residential use, most carpet weight settles in between 35 and 60 ounces. A higher face weight does not equal a better grade of carpet. Higher face weights will not mean you’re selecting a more durable product.

Carpet Density

The FHA also requires fibers in carpeting to meet minimum density requirements, as well. Density refers to how close each fiber strand is at the base of the carpet. It also is determined by how many strands of fiber the carpet contains altogether.

Higher density numbers mean the carpet will have less matting and show less evidence of foot traffic through normal activity. You’ll often find higher density carpet used near doorways or main thoroughfares, where the carpet will get more use.

Keep in mind that once again, carpet density by itself will not tell you about quality any more than carpet weight; it’s all context. Think of it more as a starting point to learn more about quality.

Carpet Height

If you’re trying to find the best carpet for your situation, we have one more measurement you should consider. Carpet height refers to how long the fiber is from base to tip. The longer the carpet height, the more fragile the fibers will be. For high traffic areas, including stairs, pile height is a major determinant.

Calculating Carpet Density

To calculate carpet density, it’s a simple calculation of carpet face weight x 36/ carpet pile height. If you take the carpet face weight number in ounces and multiply that by 36, then divide that number by carpet height, you’ll get the density. Here’s a simple example:

Carpet with a 60 ounce face weight and a .75 inch pile height would be calculated as follows:

60×36/.75 = 2880

This would be a density of 2,880 ounces per cubic yard.

What does this number tell you? It can show you the best placement for the carpet, depending on the final number.

The Carpet and Rug Institute provides specific standards for the carpet and rug industry on carpet installation. When purchasing a carpet for most residential situations, you’ll want to install a carpet with at least a 3,600 density. Of course, higher is always better. Higher values signal a thicker, denser carpet that will handle better under pressure before it begins to show wear. If you’re installing in a commercial location, it’s recommended that you look for density of 5,000 or higher to ensure a long life.

How Carpet Density Impacts Daily Living

If you decide to install a carpet with higher density, it will impact wearability. Denser carpet lasts longer because it withstands impact better. It also makes it more difficult for dirt and stains to penetrate away from the surface and migrate down to the backing. When it’s easier to clean, which means you’ll have better looking carpet, longer.

However, there’s another carpet term to familiarize yourself with that impacts durability even more.

Carpet twist is the number of times a strand of fiber is twisted per inch. Higher twist level of four or more will be less likely to unravel over time, which makes them more durable overall.

Once again, the two are not interchangeable. A carpet doesn’t have to have high density to be durable; if the twist count is high, it might hold up well over time. The opposite can also be true.

Yet as you start to build a picture of the overall quality of a carpet, you can start seeing all of these things work together.

Carpet Padding

When selecting a carpet to install in your home, a lot of emphasis is placed on the carpet itself without mentioning the carpet padding. If you purchase carpet from a less-than-scrupulous source, they may play down the importance of padding, pushing you towards carpet that brings in more revenue. But we’ll tell you the two work closely together, and you should focus on the quality of each.

Carpet padding is what helps stabilize the carpet onto the subfloor. If you purchase the wrong padding for your situation, it can adversely impact the wear of your carpet.

Like carpet, pads also have a density rating. In most areas of your home, you should have a pad density rating of at least a 6 or greater. Pay attention to thickness as well, with 3/8 to ½ inch thick a good level for most locations throughout your home. For high traffic areas including your stairs, opt for a slightly thinner and higher density pad to give you more wearability.

Now that you know more about carpet density and how it impacts wearability, stop by today, and find the right carpet for your home.

Hardwood Flooring
October 28, 2019

Why Is Bamboo Flooring Eco-Friendly?

Looking for an eco-friendly flooring? Consider bamboo flooring. According to a new report, the worldwide market is expected to increase over 3.5 percent over the next five years, making bamboo flooring well over a billion-dollar industry.

Why? Because bamboo flooring is perfect for your home.

For many homeowners, they start the process by looking at bamboo as a great alternative to classic hardwood. And we agree – if you’ve always wanted oak or maple hardwood, you’ll love bamboo.

Bamboo offers so much more. We’re convinced that when you discover all the benefits of bamboo, they’ll move up to the top of your wish list. Here’s why.

Bamboo is eco-friendly

That’s what brought you to this article in the first place. Bamboo isn’t wood – it’s grass. Whereas trees can take decades to grow to maturity, bamboo is the fastest growing plant on earth. Bamboo can be harvested every 5 to 7 years, and because it’s a grass, it simply grows back up again. That makes it a superior choice for anyone worried about what we’re doing to the planet.

Because you don’t have to remove the plant and start all over with a seedling, it begins growing again after every harvest. In some cases, bamboo plants can grow up to two feet per day, making it a perfect crop for farmers around the globe. But like everything, there are good and bad ways to approach this crop.

Harvesting bamboo actually makes the stalks healthier. That’s because removing the tallest plants lets the light filter down to those below it, giving them a chance to rise to their full potential.

When planted correctly, bamboo plants also help with land erosion. Bamboo has long root systems. They reach down and spread across like spider webs, helping create a strong base within the planted area. This helps in areas especially vulnerable to erosion, and can improve the surrounding area over time.

Bamboo also can generate as much as 35 percent more oxygen than an equal number of planted trees. This makes it a great crop to plant when trying to improve soil facing degradation from previous mishandling.

Not all bamboo flooring is created equal

If you’ve done your research in hardwood flooring, you know that only certain manufacturers offer sustainable growing practices. The same applies to the bamboo flooring industry. Be sure to do your research to ensure that your final bamboo flooring choice is harvested from well-managed forests.

Because of the popularity of this product, new fields are being planted around the globe. In some cases, bamboo fields are taking the place of other crops, which can have a negative impact on biodiversity. Bamboo isn’t as regulated as hardwood, so it’s important to do your part and look for quality manufacturers. For the most eco-friendly bamboo flooring, look for products marked with FSC-certification to ensure it meets proper code.

You can also work with flooring dealers that are proud members of the community, have high BBB ratings, and care about the quality of every product they put out to the marketplace. If you have a question about where a flooring choice is sourced, just ask.

Look for strand woven bamboo flooring

If you’ve ever read about bamboo performing poorly once installed, it’s probably because it was one of the first phases of bamboo flooring. Now, manufacturers produce strand woven bamboo flooring, which can be as much as three times harder than hardwood.

The flooring industry uses the Janka Hardness Test to rank the hardness of various types of wood floors. When you select strand woven bamboo, it tops the scale in hardness. It also has high tensile strength, which refers to how much force it takes to pull the material apart. No matter what you dish out, bamboo flooring keeps bouncing back. (Try that with some hardwood, especially the softer woods.)

Versatility

Now that you’ve read this far, it’s easy to see why many homeowners are selecting bamboo flooring over hardwood. Because it’s more versatile in every corner of your home.

With bamboo flooring, you can lay it in places where traditional hardwood isn’t an option. Want to install it in below-grade basements, for example? Or how about on a concrete subfloor? Not a problem. Bamboo flooring will perform well. Have a high traffic area you’re not sure will stand up over time? Bamboo flooring is a great choice.

Durability

Because of bamboo flooring’s strength, it’s considered to be a highly stable option for your home. It does well in high traffic situations, and can withstand lots of action from kids and pets. If you’ve had hardwood flooring ruined by pets’ nails before, you’re going to love the improvement you’ll see after installing bamboo flooring.

Keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Different manufacturers use different treatment processes. These processes can increase hardness, but they may also increase the brittleness and make the floors weaker by comparison. It pays to do your research and talk with a flooring consultant to ensure you install a high-quality product.

Bamboo flooring is one of the most stylish choices

Bamboo has many of the characteristics you associate with traditional hardwood. That means you can install bamboo and expect classic good looks in much the same way as you’d gain from hardwood. Like a golden oak stained hardwood? There’s a bamboo flooring choice for you. Want something more exotic – dark or light coloring? There’s a choice for you.

Keep in mind that while darker colors in hardwood signal the wood will be stronger and more durable, the opposite is true with bamboo. Bamboo is naturally a light tan color. To turn it dark, it has to go through a process called carbonization, which uses heat and pressure to turn the strands a dark, smoky color. This process weakens the bamboo and lowers the strength and durability.

Yet depending on which manufacturer you go with, there are many different options, a perfect one to suit your personality and match any decor.

Is bamboo flooring right for you?

Hardwood Flooring
October 24, 2019

What Is The Most Sustainable Hardwood Floor?

Have you ever stopped to think about where all the products and materials in your home come from? Most of us no longer produce our own food, sew our own clothes, or build our own homes using materials we gather by hand from the surrounding area. Instead, we head to a local store, compare and contrast our options, then make the final selection based on our wants and desires.

Everything you use has to be sourced somewhere. And with millions – billions – of people looking for ways to stand out from the crowd and make their homes unique, it’s the forests that are paying the price.

What is sustainable hardwood?

Sustainable hardwood comes from sustainably managed forests and practices. When a person takes down a tree, they have a plan for doing so in the least damaging way possible. They are stewards of the landscape, replacing what they take down. They not only think about the tree, but also about watersheds, wildlife, and the ecosystem itself.

Sustainability also means thinking about the entire production cycle. It starts with the forest, but then quickly moves to production. Does the manufacturer have sustainable practices? How does the contractor enter this process? What happens to the hardwood after it’s removed from your home? It’s full cycle.

Yet before we consider end of life, we have to start at the beginning.

Where deforestation and sustainable forest practices are the worst

If wood is taken from an unsustainable source, it’s chopped down without thought about what it’s leaving behind. They don’t think about the bare area that’s left in its place. They don’t think about the repercussions on the environment. It’s all about profits in the now. And unfortunately, it may cost more than we can handle in the future.

One of the worst areas right now where deforestation is taking place in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. Over 3,000 square miles were destroyed during a one year period between 2017 and 2018 due to illegal practices. Couple that with the damaging fires that roared through the forests earlier in 2019. The Amazon is home to one of the largest number of different tree species in the world. When we lose it, it will be gone forever.

Or course, Brazil isn’t the only nation facing illegal deforestation practices. Second to Brazil, Peru has its own share of illegal practices. Bolivia, Indonesia, Russia, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Sudan, and Nigeria all round out the list.

Think about this for a moment: less than one-tenth of the world’s forests are adequately protected from destruction. This is at a time when the demand for wood products is at an all-time high.

Our houses get bigger. Our demands for the latest and greatest furnishings is insatiable. We like to redecorate all the time, thanks to the wildly popular home improvement shows. But what is that doing to our future?

And more importantly, what can you do about it?

Pay attention to sustainable hardwood sources

Are you ready to have new hardwood floors installed in your home? It’s one of the most popular choices homeowners make across the Front Range. You’ll love the look, you’ll love the style. But more importantly, you’ll love how long they last. If they are well cared for, you can reasonably expect them to last for decades. That’s why it’s important to spend extra time ensuring that they are made from high-quality resources properly harvested and produced.

Here in the US, we have the Forest Stewardship Council designed to ensure every tree harvested is done so in an environmentally sound way. They have established a set of 10 principles and 57 criteria they apply to FSC-certified forests around the world. They ensure things like:

Compliance with FSC rules and regulations
Indigenous peoples’ rights
Proper community relations and worker’s rights
Environmental impact
Long term management plan

Take the time and learn more about how we fit into this world. It will make you a better consumer and make you more resourceful at finding the right materials for your home.

What hardwood should you use for your hardwood floors?

Now comes the difficult part of finding the right hardwood to install into your home. How do you know you’re truly getting sustainable hardwood? How do you know it’s sourced from the appropriate places?

Unfortunately, you can’t just “trust” a reseller. Some dealers have unscrupulous selling strategies at best. Instead, it’s important to do your homework and verify you’re truly getting what you want.

You can do research online. It’s a quick and easy way to get results. We recommend staying on the Forest Stewardship Council’s website and using their shopping guide to help you begin your hunt for the right flooring for your home.

When you’re out shopping and looking at anything made from wood, pay attention to the label. Is it FSC-certified? If a manufacturer cares about quality and is doing what it should to manage forests properly, they will proudly display their markings directly on their products.

That’s also why it’s a good idea to stick with brand names. If a manufacturer is in business for the long run, they’ll do what it takes to ensure the trust of everyone that buys their products. They’ll pay attention to every part of the process, from where the product is sourced from to how it’s installed in your home.

If you’re looking for the best sustainable hardwood, keep these at the top of your list:

Bamboo – it’s not a wood – it’s actually a grass – but it acts just like hardwood and grows in a fraction of the time. As long as you select sustainably grown and harvested bamboo, it can be a wonderful addition to your home.

Oak – oak is one of the most popular wood choices because of its classic good looks. You’ll never tire of the way oak floors make your home look.

Mahogany – because a lot of mahogany comes from Africa and Brazil, it’s important to pay attention to the source. It’s one of the most beautiful resources you can put into your home.

Douglas Fir – this is a good resource because it’s sourced from around North America.

Before you start your final selection, have a conversation about sustainability first. It will lead you to the right choices for your home.

Tile Floors
October 21, 2019

8 Reasons To Use Ceramic Tile In Your Kitchen Remodel

What’s the most used, most remodeled room in a home? According to the National Association of Home Builders (HAHB), it’s the kitchen. NAHB data shows that 81 percent of remodelers requested work be performed on their kitchen, with the bathroom running in close second place.

Is a kitchen remodel in your future? Where do you start?

Why not start at the bottom … with your floors.

Your flooring sets the stage for your entire kitchen design. It creates mood, adds depth, can control the aesthetics of everything else you install in the room.

And while we know there are a lot of choices for you to consider, we think one of the best is ceramic tile. It’s simply one of the best flooring choices for kitchens.

Ceramic tile is made with inorganic materials like clay. That makes it easy to maintain, more durable, and less vulnerable to moisture and stains. But is it the right flooring choice for your kitchen?

1. Ceramic tile is beautiful

If you want options, look no further than ceramic tile. With today’s modern technology, there are infinite possibilities in creating the kitchen of your dreams.

Why is ceramic tile one of the best choices for kitchen flooring? Possibilities.

Ceramic comes in three formats: glazed, unglazed, and porcelain. Glazed is coated to provide better stain and moisture resistance. Unglazed is hard and dense and showcases a more natural look. Porcelain tiles are the hardest, densest tile available, with color going all the way through the thickness.

Ceramic tile is manufactured in sizes from one to twenty-four inches square. Don’t like square? Why not go with the newest entry: ceramic planks. They imitate the look of hardwood, making them a perfect choice for your kitchen.

Want a particular color or pattern? If you can dream it, you’ll find it … with ceramic tile.

2. Ceramic tile is durable

Ceramic tile is made from clay, fired in a kiln, and finished to provide a hard, durable surface.

A kitchen is tough on a floor – one of the toughest rooms in your home. But tiles can withstand as much as you dish out, and still look great in the process.

If the refrigerator leaks, your tile floors will still look great after the cleanup is completed. If it chips or cracks, keeping a few extra tiles on hand means you’ll be able to replace it and have your floors looking great again with just a little work.

Ceramic tile is truly the workhorse of the flooring industry, one of the strongest, long-lasting flooring choices you can make for your kitchen.

3. Ceramic tile is easy to clean

Ceramic tile is also one of the easiest flooring choices to keep clean. Sweep up daily dust, pet hair, and debris. Vacuum for a deeper clean. Mop as necessary. Unlike organic flooring choices like hardwood, ceramic tile won’t warp or curl with spills and moisture.

When properly installed, there isn’t a place dirt or germs can hide. You can even use heavy duty cleaners to keep it sparkling and looking brand new. Just check with your ceramic tile manufacturer for the perfect solution for your tile.

4. Ceramic tile is priced right

You’ve dreamed about solid wood floors in your kitchen. But the sticker shock is real, especially when you consider the maintenance it will take to ensure they look good for years to come.

That’s why more homeowners are turning to ceramic tile. You can find the right choice for you at any price point you desire. Depending on the quality, the style, and the composition, it can be one of the most economical kitchen flooring choices available.

5. Ceramic tile is healthier

When you think about everything you do in the kitchen, only one thing is for sure about any flooring choice you make: it will have to withstand a wide variety of activities. The knocked over water bottle. The spilled glass of wine. The pickle jar that falls from the fridge. The mess from a backed up drain.

But it’s more than that. How about the pet that sleeps at your feet? Have you noticed those furballs accumulating in the corners?

And what about pollen from outside, that lands subtly across your floor?

Allergens don’t have a place to hide or hover into with ceramic floors. They can easily be swept, vacuumed, or wiped away. And considering you spend most of your time in the kitchen, isn’t it nice knowing it won’t add into your allergy attacks?

6. Ceramic tile is easy to install

Ceramic tile does require special tools to install, and can be challenging to cut and fit into place, especially if you are a DIYer.

Yet installing ceramic tile can also be a forgiving DIY project, especially in smaller spaces.

And if you hire a contractor to do the work for you, you can have your project completed in a short amount of time. Ceramic tile doesn’t need acclimating as hardwoods do. And you can easily piece it around just about any cabinet, wall, or other hindrance you might have in place.

It’s easy to customize your kitchen with ceramic tile.

7. Ceramic tile is warm

Ceramic tile isn’t very good at retaining heat. In fact, it can stay rather cool to the touch, making it perfect for warm places.

Yet here in Colorado, ceramic tile is the perfect choice if you’re interested in installing radiant heating.

Ceramic tile is thin and mineral-based, giving it the perfect qualities for conducting heat. And because it contains no organic material, it won’t deteriorate if the hydronic system leaks water.

It heats up rapidly, and will even retain some of the heat for a short while after it’s turned off.

8. Ceramic tile is stylish

Have we mentioned that very little can beat the look of ceramic tile? That’s because there are an infinite number of ways to install it and keep it looking its best.

Go small, and create mosaic designs. Use decorative inserts and borders for a one-of-a-kind look. Change out colors and weave patterns in to suit your personality. Or use different shapes, such as hexagon, and let your imagination run wild.

We love ceramic tile and think it’s the perfect addition to any kitchen remodeling project you take on.

If you need a little inspiration, why not stop by our showroom today.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
October 18, 2019

What To Know About Bamboo Flooring Before You Buy

Looking for a new flooring option? Not sold on the same old hardwood floor?

There’s a new option for you … bamboo flooring.

If you haven’t considered bamboo flooring in the past, you may have heard and believed some of the rumors. It’s soft. It’s difficult to maintain. It won’t last as long as more traditional hardwood.

Don’t believe the rumors.

Bamboo flooring is one of the fastest growing materials in the flooring industry. For good reasons.

Let’s start with resale value.

You may or may not be planning on selling your home in the future. But even if it isn’t a thought, most of us like installing things that will bring us up to modern times. Sure, we want our own personalities to shine through. But we also want something that will last, and won’t look straight out of last century within a few short years of installation.

According to the National Wood Flooring Association, a poll they conducted asked real estate agents what they believe about houses with hardwood flooring:

99 percent say the house is easier to sell
90 percent say they can sell it for more money
82 percent say it sells faster than homes with other flooring options

And while type of hardwood is always a personal choice, one real estate agent stated that bamboo floors were at the top of the list for providing greater intrinsic value.

Bamboo flooring can help produce an easier sale.

Convinced you should take a second look at bamboo flooring?

What is bamboo flooring?

While we keep referring to bamboo flooring as a hardwood, it in fact, is not wood. It’s a grass. Yet because it doesn’t fit or resemble other flooring categories – tile, vinyl, laminate – it is slotted into the hardwood category because it looks a lot like hardwood.

What makes it even better than hardwood is its renewability. Because it is a grass, it grows very quickly. It can be harvested in as few as three years, cut down to be made into flooring materials. Compare that to some exotic woods that can take as long as half a century to come to maturity. It’s easy to see why this renewable resource is becoming so popular.

Processing

You’ll often hear bamboo flooring referred to as either horizontal or vertical, or strand-woven. It’s important to understand the difference.

If bamboo is cut either horizontal or vertical, it will give you a floor that looks like actual bamboo. During processing, bamboo stalks are sliced into strips. They are boiled to remove the starch, dried, and laminated into a board format. These boards are milled into planks to create strip flooring.

These stalks can be laid either horizontally or vertically into the board, thus creating either horizontal or vertical bamboo strips. Horizontal bamboo gives a greater impression of it looking like bamboo stalks, while vertical placement creates what is often referred to as tigerwood because of its streaks.

Strand woven bamboo flooring combines smaller pieces of the bamboo shoot and interweaves them with adhesive to make a stronger flooring product. Because the bamboo is pulped and mashed up, it can be formed into many different types of flooring, taking on a variety of appearances.

Durability

Because of the way bamboo flooring is processed, it is an extremely durable product that won’t change a lot over time. That means it’s an excellent choice for active households and high-traffic areas.

Because of the processing and the addition of adhesives to the final product, it creates a hardness factor that can easily compare to some of the more popular hardwoods. The Janka Hardness Scale puts natural bamboo somewhere around 1400. Compare that to Douglas Fir with a 660, or even red oak with a 1290.

It’s just as hard, if not harder, than the most popular hardwoods. It looks just as good as hardwood. And it can cost us to 50 percent less per square foot than some hardwood choices. All of that adds up to a flooring material that seems perfect for your home.

The downside of bamboo

It’s no wonder people are turning more to bamboo flooring than ever before. But before you dive in and add bamboo to the top of your list, there are a few things you should know and watch for.

Quality

There are several hundred different bamboo species, and not all of them are up for the job of becoming flooring. Yet that doesn’t stop some manufacturers from trying to pass it off as flooring.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that most bamboo comes from China. And not every manufacturer holds itself up to high business standards. As a result, many companies put profits first and product last. This causes quality issues to vary widely throughout the product lines.

If bamboo is harvested too soon, mixes toxic chemicals in with adhesives, or bonded with inferior material, it weakens the end product. This can lead to flaking, peeling, easier scratched or dented product line.

There isn’t a set standard for bamboo flooring that crosses the globe. Without set standards, buying bamboo is often buyer-beware. That’s why you should think carefully before you make your final selection, and find a reputable dealer who spends time sourcing from high-quality manufacturers.

Moisture

With set standards in place, every aspect of production would be carefully controlled. Because that isn’t the case, bamboo is produced in all kinds of factory conditions.

Even when properly processed, consistent moisture is important throughout the drying process. This is important to create a product that is stable and handles well over time. Once on the job site, it’s important to let bamboo acclimate to its new surroundings. Strand woven bamboo can take anywhere from several days to several weeks, depending on the climate.

That’s why it’s important to select a contractor who understands bamboo. This isn’t just another hardwood. You can avoid potential problems if installation is done only after testing and gauged to be ready to install.

Chemicals

From a health perspective, it’s also important to focus on the entire manufacturing process. To create bamboo flooring, adhesives are mixed with bamboo pulp to create the final product. Some Chinese factories use things like urea and formaldehyde in glues, which are known to harm health. Not only do installers run a greater risk by handling the product, but off-gassing can also cause serious health problems for everyone in the household.

We can help you make the best selection

We don’t say all of this to make you afraid of installing bamboo flooring in your house. Instead, as Denver flooring experts, we tell you this to ensure you ask questions before you make your final selection.

Bamboo flooring is a popular choice for many reasons. We love the look and durability factor.

But to ensure you get a great product, don’t trust those “too good to be true” sales where you find material at a very low cost. Spend the time to get a high-quality product you’ll love for years.

Flooring
October 14, 2019

What Is The Best Scratch Resistant Flooring?

Nothing is better than finally remodeling your home and getting everything you want.

That new kitchen you’ve been dreaming about? It’s pure perfection.

The living space designed with your lifestyle in mind? Of course.

And beneath it all is the best flooring for your rooms. It looks elegant from the moment you walk in.

Then your four-legged friend comes running in from outside. He’s a bundle of energy, and flies through your rooms as if the chase was on. He makes hairpin turns, runs around and around your kitchen island. And when he finally stops, and you assess the damage, you see wear and tear on your brand new floors.

How could you have avoided all that? What’s the best scratch resistant flooring?

Pets are one of the hardest toughest forms of punishment for any flooring choice. They don’t understand your goals of keeping your flooring looking new. Their muddy paws will track in all kinds of problems. And their nails are one of the biggest potential problems.

Even if you keep their nails trimmed on a regular basis, they can still cause a lot of damage. They can gauge marks into hardwood, or snap carpet fibers into an unsightly mess. You can try and keep it clean, but getting out stains and smells often make the situation worse. Do you really want to drag in industrial-strength cleaners to do the job well? The harmful effects are the last thing you want to subject your family and pets to.

What’s a homeowner to do?

Is there a right choice for giving you the looks you want, while providing a safe environment for your pets, so they won’t make a mess the moment your flooring is installed?

Luckily, there is. You’ll love the choices you have for installing the best scratch resistant flooring into your home.

Tile

One of the best materials to use for your flooring if you have pets and high-traffic areas is tile. And because of today’s technology, you have more options than ever before.

Ceramic tile is one of the most popular types of tile for the home. You’ll find ceramic tile in kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways because it’s easy to install, durable, easy to clean, and comes in many styles, colors, and patterns. If you’re remodeling on a budget, ceramic tile is a great choice.

Porcelain tile gives you an elegant finish with the ability to emulate just about any look you desire. That’s why it’s grown in popularity over the past few years. If you’ve seen tile floors that look like natural stone, brick, or hardwood, it’s porcelain tile that gives it its good looks. It’s also perfect for inside/outside living as it won’t freeze, fade, or crack.

If you’re looking for natural, there are many options you can choose from. However, keep in mind that many natural stones like limestone and travertine are beautiful but softer than other tiles. They may be more susceptible to scratches and stains, something your pets dish out on a regular basis.

If you’re dreaming of the look or hardwood but have put it off because of your four-legged friends, it’s time to rethink your look and consider wood-look tile instead. You’ll love that it wears well in all kinds of situations, and in many cases, you have to get down on the floor to determine it isn’t the real thing.

Laminate

If your heart is set on hardwood, consider laminate instead. It’s an artificial wood product that’s both durable and resilient.

Laminate flooring is a multi-layer product that is fused together by a lamination process. The bottom layer is designed to give it strength. The inner layer is usually a melamine resin and fiberboard used for durability. The photographic layer gives it its classic good looks. The top layer is a clear-coat protection so that the photographic layer stays protected.

Laminate has grown in popularity for a variety of reasons. It’s easier to install than hardwood, being able to be laid with a click and lock into place construction system. It floats over the subfloor rather than have to be nailed or glued into place.

That makes it more forgiving when being installed, being able to be applied over a variety of subfloor situations. It requires less skill, meaning it can be a DIY project if you’re looking to save even more. There are also several hygienic brands on the market that can provide you with a safer, cleaner flooring choice if you’re worried about your family’s health.

Luxury Vinyl

Luxury vinyl is also growing in popularity because of its looks and durability. This isn’t your mother’s vinyl. Instead, it’s designed with both fashion and durability in mind.

Why so popular? Because you can choose luxury vinyl to mimic hardwood planks, yet be more functional and affordable in the process.

The biggest advantage vinyl plank flooring has that makes it so popular is because it is 100 percent water resistant. That means any surface spills won’t affect the flooring. That’s a pretty big benefit when dealing with pets. If you know you can wipe away any mishap without a problem, it pushes it up the list.

If you have a lot of traffic or are worried about the effects your pet can dish out, you can upgrade to commercial grade, to ensure your flooring is even more durable. No matter what your final selection is, you’ll know it’s easily maintained with regular sweeping and an occasional swipe of a mop.

When most people think of vinyl, they tend to think of the soft floors from their parents’ era. While vinyl is still more friendly for standing and walking on, advances have also made the core level more rigid for a stable, sturdier construction. If you choose a thicker material, it’s more forgiving when installed on the subfloor. If you have small problem areas, luxury vinyl might just cover them up. It’s important to talk with your flooring consultant before you make your final selection to ensure it’s a perfect fit for your conditions. That will ensure you have a long lasting product that will look great throughout the years.

It’s time to install – what’ll it be?

Are you ready to put scratch resistant flooring into your space? Which choice will it be?

Tile, laminate, and luxury vinyl are all perfect additions to any home with pets. Whichever you choose, you’re going to love your flooring for years to come.

Flooring
October 10, 2019

What’s Trending In Kitchen Floors?

Want to remodel your home? Want to improve the aesthetics? One of the best places to start is with your kitchen.

Kitchens are considered the hub of your home. It’s where most families spend the majority of their time. You cook there. You gather there. The kids do their homework there. You might even relax there, reading the night way at the kitchen island, or sharing a glass of wine with your spouse or your neighbor.

Why not make it the best looking room in your home?

According to a 2018 remodeling cost vs value survey, a minor kitchen remodel will hold over 81 percent of its value over time. It doesn’t take a major overhaul to make it look brand new. Instead, you can do little things to bring your kitchen back to life.

Like replacing your kitchen floors.

So much of your home’s decor is built from the bottom up. If you have a great base, everything else flows. When you have great kitchen floors, it makes everything from your cabinets to your countertops look great in the process.

As you’re on the hunt for new flooring, what are the current trends that will make your kitchen look great? Want some tips to help you elevate the look of your favorite room in your home? Some of today’s top kitchen floor trends include sustainability, natural materials, and warm colors that will be a welcome addition to any home.

https://pro-flooring.com/trends-new-home-buyers-want-in-flooring/

Here’s what to consider as you’re making your final selection.

Bamboo

If you haven’t looked at bamboo, you don’t know what you’re missing. Bamboo has so many great qualities, it’s worth a second look.

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, bamboo may be your perfect choice. It looks like hardwood, acts like hardwood. Yet it’s more sustainable than hardwood because it’s not actually hardwood.

Instead, bamboo is considered a grass, and is one of the fastest growing crops used for flooring production. It doesn’t take decades to create a harvestable field. It takes only five to seven years.

What’s more, it’s a natural material that is warm underfoot, and has a striking color that is in demand in today’s decor marketplace. You’ll love the different colors and hues, and find the perfect grain for your taste.

Plus, bamboo is incredibly strong, making it a far better choice for the kitchen than its hardwood counterparts. It can withstand daily abuse that a kitchen often dishes out. Just be careful with water or spills, as bamboo tends to absorb water. Clean up spills quickly to avoid damage to your floors.

Cork

While we’re talking sustainable, eco-friendly kitchen floor products, we have to mention cork flooring too. Cork makes a unique kitchen flooring option that’s as soft and comfortable as it is durable. Cork flooring also makes a great insulator, meaning your kitchen floor will add more warmth. In the cold winter months, that can bring welcome relief.

Have family members who suffer from allergies? Then cork may just be your perfect kitchen floor choice. Cork is naturally antimicrobial, meaning it’ll be easier on your health. Just be careful you go with a reputable company who harvest in a sustainable way, and an installer who uses all-natural adhesives and glues.

You can’t make a wrong choice when it comes to looks. You’ll find cork flooring in a variety of earthy color schemes that match any decor. Cork can be damaged over time because of its soft nature. And if you have a lot of streaming sunlight bouncing around your kitchen, be aware cork can fade over time.

Laminate

Laminate flooring has been around for years for a good reason. It gives you the appearance of hardwood flooring with more durability and a stronger base. It’s perfect for the kitchen where you tend to drop things more, and spills are the norm more than the exception.

Now laminate isn’t limited to traditional hardwood colors. Instead, you’ll find laminate is trending in all kinds of colors for your kitchen floors.

Why not try white laminate? It’s a great choice if you want to liven up your space. White makes any space feel larger. It brings more vibrancy into your space. Plus, white flooring gives you a clean, crisp look that can be paired with just about anything. Do you love the Scandinavian designs that are popular in design magazines? Those cool, earthy colors are perfect when paired with white laminate.

Not convinced white is the way to go? You don’t have to head back to traditional colors to make a statement. Try gray laminate instead. While gray has fallen to the wayside in paint color and decor, a gray whitewash look in flooring is peeking in popularity. It’s a very popular effect that allows you to pair it with different colored cabinetry for a fun, clean look and feel.

Natural Stone

There’s never a bad time to install natural stone, and thanks to today’s options, it’s a great choice for your kitchen floor. Most Coloradoans don’t think about adding natural stone to a kitchen because it can be cold underfoot. But natural stone can be a perfect choice when paired with radiant heating. Instead of backing out of the kitchen on winter mornings, you’ll be rushing in to enjoy a little heat from the ground up.

What we love most about natural stone is you’ll never get the same look twice no matter what color you select. That means whatever design you pick will be yours and yours alone. The warm colors and ribbons of varying shades and tones pack quite the punch in your decorating style. It’s hard not to fall in love with this kitchen flooring product.

Dark Hardwood

For some homeowners, only hardwood will do. If this is your top choice, we know it’ll be a good fit for you.

Dark hardwood is currently all the rage. You’ll find it in all the decorating magazines. What makes dark hardwood special in the kitchen is it can be paired with anything. If you want to stick with dark cabinets and countertops, you’ll create an elegant look. Or mix it up and go light; the look can be uniquely your own.

Hardwood can be expensive, especially if you get into more exotic woods. But if you’ve got a certain look in mind and nothing else will do, hardwood is one of the longest lasting kitchen floor choices you can make. It’s a timeless look you’ll love for many years.

So what’s it going to be for your kitchen remodel? What kind of flooring choice is perfect for you?

Flooring, Tile Floors
October 6, 2019

Why Ceramic Tile Is Always A Great Choice For Bathrooms

No matter how big or small your bathroom is, there’s a place for ceramic tile.

In fact, from a global perspective, ceramic tile is one of the most popular flooring choices you can make. And the demand is expected to continue growing.

And who can argue that ceramic tile is one of the best flooring choices you can make, especially in a bathroom. Bathrooms are tough on just about every material you put into it. It must withstand humidity and moisture. It has to ensure messes and spills. And it has to be easy to clean and easy to maintain.

That makes ceramic tile the perfect choice for your space.

Need a little inspiration? Let’s start with a few important reasons why you should consider ceramic tiles.

Ceramic tile is affordable

The very first reason many homeowners start looking at ceramic tile is because of its affordability factor. It can be more affordable than other popular choices, such as porcelain, stone, marble, or quartz.

Like everything, you get what you pay for. But with ceramic tile’s affordability factor comes a wide array of options. You can find any color, pattern, size, or style you desire. You can mimic some of the popular flooring choices like stone or wood. You can intermix the tile for a look that’s truly your own.

The one thing you’ll never get with ceramic tile is boring. There are unlimited possibilities when working with ceramic tile in the bathroom – all at a price that’s easy on the budget.

Ceramic tile is strong

Your bathroom floors take some of the most abuse anywhere in your home. They face daily humidity and moisture, They deal with wet towels and lots of lotions and potions. They have to be strong, day after day, month after month, year after year.

What makes ceramic tile strong and durable is the way it’s made. Most ceramic tiles are made from white or red clay, formed, fired in a kiln, and finished with a glaze. Because they are manmade, they come in any style or pattern you can imagine. That’s what makes them so popular.

However, to keep the finish strong and durable, it is recommended that you use a suitable cleaning solution made for ceramic tile. To keep its finish looking good for years to come, ensure you clean it in as mild of was as possible.

Ceramic tile is waterproof

We’ve hinted to it several times in this post. One of the biggest reasons ceramic tile is perfect for the bathroom is because it’s waterproof. And the bathroom is notorious for moisture, so it’s a perfect fit.

Whether your kids splash water out of the sink and on to the floor on a regular basis, your tub or shower leaks water over the edge, or an occasional overflow problem with your toilet, your ceramic tile will never show the wear.

Just be sure you clean all messes up as quickly as possible. If your tile is installed the correct way, there shouldn’t be a problem. That means proper installation, grout in place, caulking sealing all of the edges – that ensures water stays on top and doesn’t seep down underneath.

Ceramic tile can add depth and ambiance

With many flooring choices, what you see is what you get. Luckily, that’s not the case with ceramic tile.

Ceramic tile is often made with different textures. When you install them in the bathroom, they can add depth and character. Because they come in a wide array of sizes, you can mix and match and create just about any pattern imaginable. You can create ambiance just by focusing in on specific areas of the room. Highlight by using different tiles around the baseboards. Or changing colors by a tub or shower. You can even take tile up the walls, and create an entirely new look and feel. All you have to do is use Pinterest as your guide, and you’re sure to find your inspiration in no time.

Ceramic tile is easy to install

With some flooring choices, your floors will have to acclimate before you can proceed with installation. Not so with ceramic tile. Remove old flooring, and you’re ready to go.

Ceramic tile is easy enough some homeowners prefer to make it a do-it-yourself project. We can help you make the right selection if that’s your desire. If you want to let a professional install it without worry, we can help you with that choice as well.

Ceramic tile can add warmth

That’s probably not the benefit you expected. Ceramic tile is known for its coolness factor. Tile is often used in the hottest climates in the world because it stays cooler underfoot.

Yet ceramic tile is the perfect companion to radiant heating. If you want warm floors on a cold morning, nothing pairs better with radiant heating than ceramic tile.

In fact, you might love the feeling of warmth underfoot so much that you expand where you install ceramic tile in your home. Once homeowners discover the benefits of having radiant heating, many start adding it to other rooms in their home. Like the kitchen. Or the laundry room. Or even your living space.

Is ceramic tile the best choice for you?

Yes, we love ceramic tile a lot; it’s one of our favorite flooring choices because of the number of ways you can use it throughout your home.

If you would like help deciding if it’s the right choice for your remodeling process, stop by, and have a look.

We assure you you’ll find the perfect look at a reasonable price. And because you can install it quickly into your home, you can have it in place whenever you desire.

Are you ready for ceramic tile in your bathrooms?

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
October 2, 2019

Is Hardwood Flooring Sustainable?

Sustainable is one of those buzzwords being thrown around a lot these days. But have you ever stopped to think about what it means?

To be sustainable, it’s the quality of not being harmful to the environment or depleting natural resources. It supports long-term ecological balance.

The United Nations has established a blueprint to help achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. It covers goals in all areas of life, from how a person lives to what they consume.

Goal number 15 is all about life on the land. It’s about doing our best to manage forests and halt or reverse land degradation sustainably. Forests cover about 30 percent of the Earth’s surface. Yet forests are being consumed at an alarming rate. What does that mean for our future?

This isn’t a post on forest practices. But you have to consider them if you’re going to talk about hardwood flooring.

Is hardwood flooring sustainable? Can you have what you love – hardwood floors – and still be conscious about making your home an eco-friendly place to live? Let’s start at the beginning.

What makes a floor sustainable?

When most of us think about sustainability, we go right to the materials being used. Hardwood flooring is made from wood. It starts with the forest, and the practices used to create the finished product.

But being a sustainable option considers much more than that. It also includes:

The manufacturing process
Every aspect of the supply chain and its impact on the environment
How natural resources are used
Wearability and how long the product will last
Recycling at end-of-life

Sustainability is more than one point in time. To truly consider the sustainability of a product, you have to look at the entire lifecycle of the product.

The manufacturing process

To be sustainable at the manufacturing levels means looking at more than the final product. It considers every step the hardwood flooring goes through from the time it’s harvested until it winds up for sale in your retail flooring store.

In many places today, tree harvesting is managed carefully. According to the National Wood Flooring Association, for every one cubic foot of trees cut down, 1.66 cubic feet are replanted. That ensures there is always room for damage and other potential problems as it takes a forest up to 60 years to mature.

As trees are harvested and brought into production, different manufacturers use different processes. What chemicals do they use during production? How much raw material is disposed of after processing? If done correctly, wood production has very little waste. Excess wood can be used in a variety of things, from wood chips to paper, and other composite products.

Still, it’s worth checking with the manufacturer you are considering to see if their processes match your sense of sustainability.

Hardwood flooring is long-lasting

Have you watched the “fix and flip” shows where they peel back the ugly carpet to reveal beautiful hardwood flooring? With a little TLC, sanding, and a little bit of finish work, they look good as new.

That’s the beauty of installing hardwood flooring in your home. With proper care and maintenance, you can easily expect them to last indefinitely. You can find historic homes that still have the original hardwood flooring in place.

Compare that with other types of flooring like linoleum or laminate. With care, you can only expect these to last 20 years, while carpet has an even shorter lifespan at ten years.

Although hardwood floors aren’t the least expensive choice you’ll find as you browse through our retail store, you can expect to save money over time. It’s nice to know you can install beautiful flooring today, and not have to worry about replacement in your lifetime.

Impact on the environment

Head back in time to your science class in high school. Trees take in carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. That makes them a very important part of the environmental footprint, making them carbon neutral in the way they are grown and harvested. They have a very low environmental impact. As long as you select wood from sustainably grown forests, it’s an effective way to get the products we love while protecting the environment at the same time.

It’s also important to note that if you select the right hardwood flooring, and you use an eco-friendly installation process, hardwood flooring can actually improve the air quality of your home. This is because hardwood flooring is easier to clean and harder to mask things like animal dander, dust, and biological growth.

Of course, that means you’ll have to talk with a flooring consultant about the glues and adhesives used to install the hardwood, making sure it doesn’t contain things like formaldehyde or other pollutants. But if you select the right manufacturer for your hardwood floors, they can help you create a cleaner environment for your family to live in.

Reusable

Hardwood flooring is also one of the few flooring choices that can be used more than once.

Whether you want to refine the way your flooring looks, or just want an updated color or finish, hardwood floors can be sanded and refinished multiple times.

If the wood is too damaged to continue being used as flooring, it can be ripped up and reused in other wood projects, including furniture or decorative features.

Reclaimed hardwood is popular in home improvement projects right now, especially if there are sentimental reasons to include it in your current project. Recycled wood brings out characteristics and personality you can’t find in newer wood. Plus if it comes from a place that holds meaning in your heart, it can give an added look to the aesthetics of your decor.

And if all else fails, you can always use wood as fuel. Since hardwood is biodegradable, in some cases you can burn it and use it to stay warm.

Is hardwood flooring sustainable? It may be one of the best flooring choices for your home to help reduce your carbon footprint and create a more eco-friendly environment for you and your family.

Stop by today and see our entire selection of hardwood floors. You’ll find the perfect choice for your home.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
September 29, 2019

What’s The Best Direction To Install Hardwood Flooring?

Thinking of installing hardwood flooring throughout your home? Congratulations. You’re going to love the look.

However, selecting the right hardwood flooring is more than deciding what tone or hardwood shade. It’s also about determining what direction to install your hardwood flooring.

It might seem like an easy decision at first. We’ve found many customers haven’t even given it much thought. But how you install it will set the stage for decor and ambiance. And you’ll be living with this choice for a long time.

Before we get into deciding the best direction for your taste, let’s define them first.

Straight or Vertical

The most common installation method for hardwood flooring is straight, or vertical. You choose to have your hardwood flooring installed according to the length or width of your room. This is a classic pattern because it’s one of the easiest to install. It works in any home, any room, because it has a contemporary feel. And since it works with the flow of your room, it’s also one of the easiest, least expensive ways to install.

Horizontal

Whereas straight or vertical installations run the length of a room, a horizontal installation plays on the narrower section of your room. This can help in a room that feels closed in, where it’s narrower than it is long. By installing the wood horizontally, it draws the eye from side to side, adding depth.

Diagonal

Instead of staying with the length or width of a room, a diagonal installation will add uniqueness and elegance with just a tweak to the classic straight direction. Diagonal floors are laid at a 45 degree angle to the room. That means boards will run across your room at an interesting angle, giving style and ambiance in a unique way.

Herringbone

It’s hard to miss the sophistication of a herringbone design. This is where planks are laid diagonally in a zigzag pattern to add more whimsy to the design.

Custom

The great thing about hardwood installation is there are an infinite number of ways to do it. Try mixing different widths together. Or mix different shades, styles, or materials. While this might not be something you try as a DIYer, if you’re open to ideas, one of our consultants can help you imagine big. Doing something with a twist off the norm, and give your space even more appeal.

Now that you know there are many different possibilities for laying your hardwood flooring into place, what should you consider as you make your final selection? There isn’t a right or wrong direction to install hardwood flooring. But there are a few rules of thumb to keep in mind.

Where are your room focal points?

Every room has one feature that stands out from the rest. It might be a large fireplace that commands attention. Or a wall of glass windows. Or even an archway that leads to the next room. Chances are you commented on it when buying your home. To make the most of that focal point, have your hardwood planks lead to that spot. They should lead right into the fireplace, or guide you through the opening.

What are your light sources?

Does your room play off natural light? Or do you rely completely on artificial? Think about the direction of light and the way it flows throughout the day. Depending on how you play with the light, and the direction of your hardwood, will determine the visual impact of the room. It can help lengthen your room, make it feel more wide open. Or it can help shorten and add coziness factor to the room.

One room or many?

Will you be laying hardwood in one room, or extending it through multiple rooms in your home? There are a few things to keep in mind before ordering and scheduling your installation.

If your room is one large area, lying it straight from end to end can create sweeping views. If you have nooks and corners that lend to breaking up the flow, laying hardwood straight is a little more difficult. You can use thin strips to break up the pattern and give dimension to each room. This also allows you to change direction, when necessary, to create a pleasing look. You can also consider diagonal or herringbone pattern to further add ambiance and to take the emphasis off problem areas that might not be easy to attach.

How should you handle hallways?

Hallways are the narrowest places in your home. When you install them the long way, outward from the openings, it will add dimension to your space rather than leaving a choppy appearance. It’s also easier for the installation process, to use your hardwood planks in the most efficient way.

What about structural issues?

Every house is different. That’s why it’s important to talk with a flooring consultant before you finalize your decisions to ensure you have thought of everything you’ll need to do the job the right way. Your wood floors should always be installed perpendicular to your floor joists. This makes your flooring structurally sound and will prevent your hardwood planks from having structural damage later on, such as sagging, buckling, or separating.

Consider your subfloor as well. You’ll need different installation methods depending on if you’re installing over concrete or wooden subfloor. Nail down is different than floating planks.

You should also lay out your floor plan in detail before you shop. Keep in mind special circumstances that will influence your installation process, such as closet space, uneven walls, staircases, and anything else that makes your home unique.

What about design?

There are certain parts of your home that lend to more creativity than others. Want to create an elegant, formal dining room? Why not use direction to create the right ambiance? You can change colors, or add mosaics or other patterns to clearly define the space. Or how about adding flair to your kitchen? You can play with direction, especially as you move around islands or into breakfast spaces.

Need more ideas to select what direction to install your hardwood flooring? Stop by today. We can give you all the tips you need to create the home of your dreams.

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