Ben Larrabee, Author at PRO! Flooring

Hardwood Flooring
August 11, 2018

Not Sure Which Hardwood Floor Is For You? Use Samples

Do you know what hardwood flooring is a good fit for your home? Or are you still having trouble deciding on which color would be best?

We see it all the time. People stop by to look at samples, and quickly become overwhelmed. Don’t worry. You’re not alone. It can be a difficult choice to make, especially when you know you’ll live with your decision for a very long time to come.

The last thing you want is buyer’s remorse. What can you do to move past it?

That’s the best reason to take a few samples home. What you see on the showroom floor isn’t quite how it will look inside your home. We know that. That’s why taking samples home is so important. What should you do from there?

Live with your choices

This isn’t something you can bring home for an afternoon and make your decision immediately. Live with your selections for a few days. See your choices at 9am and 9pm. See it in daylight and see it with artificial lighting. Do you like the shades, color, and patterns in the different lighting conditions?

Go barefoot

Instead of laying out your choices in a small section of your home and making your decision, place the samples in every corner of your home. If you’ll be adding hardwood to a room, be sure to place the samples in that room and live with them for a while. If it’s being installed in the kitchen, stand on it while making dinner. If it’s going in the bathroom, stand on it while getting ready in the morning. Do you like the looks? Do you like the feel?

Coordinate your decor

Are you changing up the decor throughout your home? Or are you mixing your new flooring with items already in place? Be sure your final selection mixes with your paint, style, and furniture choices. Be sure your hardwood mixes with your design ideas. There is a difference between light and dark wood, wide or narrow planks. Ask yourself how well your choice will go with the rest of your design ideas.

Stay open minded

Now may be the time for a change. And by bringing a sample home, you may find yourself leaning to a choice you never thought you’d make. Purchasing flooring is a long term investment. There are many materials, styles, colors, and brands on the market today. Don’t come in with specifics in mind. Instead, work with a flooring consultant on what style matches your lifestyle instead. You may be surprised at your final purchase.

And you may fall in love with it for a long time to come.

Flooring
August 10, 2018

3 Advantages of Choosing Laminate Flooring in Denver

Adding new floors throughout your home can be exciting, but also a little overwhelming because there are so many different types. Here at PRO! Flooring Brokers, we want to help you figure out which flooring is ideal for your family.

Price

One of the main reasons people select laminate flooring is the budget. Laminate flooring is affordable, and it looks incredible. You can save money while still getting the specific flooring look you want throughout your house. Many people prefer laminate flooring in Denver because it looks identical to hardwood floors.

Durable

Whether you have children, pets, or just need durable flooring throughout the home, laminate flooring should be your go-to choice. This sustainable flooring option is ideal because it is scratch resistant. You do not have to worry about the floor getting scratch because you dropped something on it.

Moisture Resistant

Spilling liquids on floors is inevitable, so you need to choose flooring that is moisture resistant because you do not want to cause additional damage.

If you are interested in learning more about our selection of laminate flooring in Denver, you can give us a call at (303) 788-0113 and schedule a time to tour our showroom to see first-hand our stunning laminate options for your home.

Carpet
August 7, 2018

How To Prevent Puppy Accidents On Your New Carpet

Thinking of bringing a new puppy into your life? Nothing can bring more fun (and disruption) than a new bundle of joy.

Of course, your new carpet might not agree. Let’s face it; puppies and carpeting don’t mix. Puppies can quickly damage your carpet in many ways, including:

Tracking in dirt and mud everytime they enter from outside
Hair buildup
Accidents, and more accidents
Damage from chewing – if they can find it with their teeth, they’ll chew

How do you prevent all of that, and love your carpet and your puppy too?

Start by keeping your puppy clean

The easiest way to train a puppy is to instill daily habits. Bring out the brush once a day and brush away the loose hair. This will prevent those little fur balls from accumulating in the corners of your room and migrating down into the fibers of your carpet.

Baths are also an important ritual. Too many can strip away needed oils in their skin. But you should bathe them enough to ensure they are as clean as possible when they roll and play on your carpet, so you don’t get that “doggy” smell into the fibers.

Remove pet stains quickly

Accidents happen. In order to keep them from ruining your carpet, clean them up as quickly as possible. But not any household cleaner will work. We’re happy to make recommendations, or check with your carpet manufacturer; they often have specific products made for their carpet. What’s more, if you use their products, you won’t void your warranty.

Above all, never use a product with ammonia. Dried urine produces an ammonia-like smell that will intrigue puppies, and start the process all over again.

Use rugs

Rugs are a lot less expensive to replace than your carpeting. On high-traffic areas, consider placing a few rugs until you get your puppy trained. Use door mats by your doors to help pull away some of the dirt when they enter. You can also train them to have their feet wiped before they enter your home. Keep rags and a little water by each door to do the trick.

What tricks have you used to keep your carpets looking new when introducing a puppy into your home?

Tile Floors
August 3, 2018

Where To Use Glass Tile

If you’ve been paying attention to home decorating shows or magazines, you’ll notice that glass tiles are as hot as ever. They come in every color and pattern imaginable. And they’re so versatile, you can use them anywhere in your home.

Still, it’s difficult “seeing” something that looks great on a showroom floor and reimagining on your floors or walls. Will you love it? Or will you hate it? The last thing you want to do is have something you don’t like installed and in your home for years to come.

We think glass tiles are the perfect addition to these spaces:

Kitchen

The kitchen is by far the most popular place to install glass tiles because you can do so in many ways. See that space between your counters and your cabinets? It’s the perfect canvas for any type of creativity. Have fun with it. You can use a solid color throughout. Or you can mix and match and create patterns that flow throughout the space. Why not play it up over your range?

Bathroom

The bathroom is also a great place to play with glass tiles. You can use them as backsplashes above the vanity, and have fun with the patterns around your mirrors. You can add rows of color in your shower or around your tub. We’ve even seen glass tiles used effectively to highlight windows and add to the open space. Use your imagination and create a space that’s uniquely your own.

Laundry

Glass tiles make the perfect accent for any room in your home. They are also a great way to create ambiance and lead the eye to a focal point in your room. Play with tiles above your washer and dryer. Or use it as a backsplash over your counter space and sink. You can carry a color theme throughout your living space, or add something new that blends well with the rest.

Imagination is the only thing you’ll need when deciding how to incorporate glass tiles into your living space. Stop by and see your possibilities today.

Uncategorized
August 2, 2018

2 Reasons to Visit our Showroom Before Picking Flooring

When you are searching for residential flooring in Denver, whether it is for your living room or hallway, you should trust the team at PRO! Flooring Brokers to help you select the right type of flooring for your exact project. Listed below are two out of the many reasons you can rely on our knowledgeable team members.

Different Type of Flooring Options

From carpet to hardwood and everything else, our showroom has everything you are looking for when it comes to residential and commercial flooring. We have a variety of luxury vinyl, carpet, hardwood, porcelain tile and stone, and laminate, so you can pick the option that is right for your home and family. If you are unsure which type of flooring is ideal for your needs, our staff will discuss the benefits and disadvantages of each style.

See Flooring Options in Person

Looking at flooring in a picture and looking and flooring in person are two different things. You might love the flooring option in the picture, but not in real life. Many times people fall in love with flooring in person where a photo does not do it justice. One of the main benefits of visiting our showroom is being able to see everything up close.

We suggest our clients take samples home with them, so they can see the product in their light and next to their furniture prior to purchasing. Schedule a time to tour our showroom by calling (303) 788-0113 right now.

Hardwood Flooring
July 28, 2018

Have Hardwood Flooring? Never Do These 7 Things

Are you considering adding hardwood flooring throughout your home? Nothing beats its beauty.

But hardwood isn’t like other types of flooring. It provides different strengths and weaknesses when compared with tile or carpet. Yes, hardwood can be a beautiful addition throughout your home. But there are a few things you should never do.

Leave your shoes by the door

If you love wearing high heels, be sure to leave them by the door. Every time you walk across your hardwood, it has the potential of leaving tiny divots in the floor. And it’s not just high heels; any shoe has the potential for bringing in dirt or sand from the outside, and tracking it across your hardwood floor. With every step, tiny scratches can work their way into the wood, scuffing and marring the finish. If they have moisture, they can leave water behind, penetrate into the grain and warp your hardwood.

Leave rugs in one spot

While you may love the current setup of your living or dining room, experts agree you should never leave a rug in one spot for too long. The sun will gradually lighten the wood and bleach it out compared with the surrounding wood underneath. This can be difficult to fix as the wood changes characteristics.

Use your steam mop

Steam mops and mops that spray as you pass by are all the rage. And they work great on tile. But if you use them on your hardwood, the moisture can wreak havoc across your room. The more moisture you put onto your hardwood, the more it can settle into the cracks and warp the wood.

Let your pets have free reign

Remember the advice to take off high heels before walking across your floors? The same advice holds true for your pets. Those tiny, sharp nails work similarly to your high heels. Keep them cut trim and short to keep damage to a minimum. Also, realize that your pets will damage hardwood. You will have to maintain and refinish them more frequently than homeowners without pets.

Use Vinegar as a cleaner

Vinegar works as a natural household cleaner in all kinds of areas of your home. But keep it away from your floors. The acidity in vinegar will strip away the chemicals used to adhere your planks to the floor and keep the beautiful look you’ve grown accustomed to. Instead, follow the advice of the manufacturer of your hardwood planks.

Place furniture directly on the wood

Take a look at the furniture throughout your home. Tiny legs on bookcases and sofas can dent your hardwood. Chairs can scratch and dent as they are moved throughout the room. And if you have hardwood in your office, be sure to add protection before using caster and rollers on your chairs and files.

Put off refinishing

It’s easy to put off refinishing indefinitely. But every year your flooring is subjected to a little more wear and tear. And that means individual floorboards may be at more risk. Most manufacturers will recommend you refinish hardwood every 10 to 15 years, depending on use. Be sure to check with your manufacturer when you install.

Are you ready to install hardwood throughout your home?

Flooring
July 24, 2018

Is Natural Stone Tile The Right Choice For Your Home?

We love watching people walk into our store and taking in all of their choices. In many cases, they automatically move towards the natural stone displays. It’s beautiful. It adds a touch of elegance. And it’s impossible to ignore the styles and patterns that come with natural stone.

What’s more, you can install natural stone in so many rooms, in so many ways. Why not consider it for your home?

Yet there are a few things to consider before you make your final selection.

Learn all you can about the type of stone you are considering

It’s easy to get sucked in by the beauty of natural stone. But every selection has its own characteristics. Granite is beautiful as a countertop, but would it work equally well in the bathroom? Or how about travertine; is it the right choice for your kitchen floors? Be sure to consider how you’ll use it, and what’s the most practical choice to ensure everyone in your home has a good experience.

Understand the details

It won’t take you long to discover each type of stone has its own pros and cons. Sizing also can have an impact on the final appearance. Large tiles are becoming all the rage right now. It means less grout, which can give you a cleaner appearance. Or maybe you use complimentary tiles and colors and continue the look from your floor to the counter, to the backsplash, and even into the shower. Don’t forget mosaics and other designs to create a unique look.

Are you prepared for the maintenance

Every flooring choice has its own unique maintenance routine. Natural stone is no different. Some require a specific maintenance routine while others may require a once a year sealant to keep it from staining. Just because the manufacturer recommends something, doesn’t mean you should keep an eye out for updating the routine – a home with several kids and pets may need more maintenance than an individual whose only home on weekends.

Is natural stone the right choice for your home?

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
July 21, 2018

The Trouble With Some Hardwood Flooring Contractors

Home maintenance and construction products can sometimes bring out the worst in people. Ask your neighbors about jobs-gone-wrong. Everyone seems to have a story about a remodeling project that cost them dearly. You hire them. You pay them. They disappear before the job is finished. And they leave with a big mess in their wake.

But it doesn’t have to be like that. Many flooring contractors are experienced, trustworthy, and will do a great job. They offer you a fair price and follow through on every promise made.

How do you find them? Research. Never jump at the first “great deal” you find. Instead, step back and evaluate the offer. “Great deals” are most often a little too good to be true. And you’ll pay the price.

What should you watch out for?

A contractor that is easily offended by questions. A reputable contractor will answer every question you have and encourage more. They will be available before, during, and after installation to ensure you are fully satisfied.

A contractor that is vague about licensing and insurance. If they can’t prove they have the proper credentials to be in business, they won’t have the protection necessary if something goes wrong. It’s not a matter of offending the contractor – it’s a matter of protecting your home. It’s your home, and if something goes wrong on the job, it could be you that pays the price. If an unlicensed contractor leaves you with a mess, your homeowner insurance won’t pick up the tab to correct the problem.

A contractor that doesn’t mention moisture testing with hardwood installation. Depending on what hardwood you select for your home, it’s important to test your home’s conditions for proper performance. Wood should always be acclimated to your living space before it’s installed. If a contractor doesn’t discuss this with you ahead of time, don’t trust them to give you the best service possible.

A contractor that pushes the sale. Installing new flooring should always be based on the best time for you. If they try and push it because a flooring is on sale, or there’s a reason to act fast, it’s better to let the “deal” go. A reputable contractor knows that new flooring is a big decision. This will be in your home for years to come. They won’t push or hurry you based on their desires for a sale. Instead, they’ll take their time to ensure the final flooring is right for you.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
July 18, 2018

Have Leftover Stone or Wood Flooring? Here’s What To Use It For

Did you overestimate for your DIY stone or wood flooring project? Do you have enough extra materials that you’re wondering what to use it for?

While it’s great to keep a few extra pieces of stone or wood planks for damaged areas of your flooring, any more isn’t necessary. Fortunately, you don’t have to leave it stored in your basement collecting dust. There are many uses you can use it for.

Create an accent wall

When most people think of accent walls, they tend to think of paint or wallpaper. They use a different color or pattern to add “wow” to the decor of the room.

Instead of paint, consider adding wood or stone instead. Wood can bring out a rustic flair to any room in your home. Add wood planks behind your bed. Or continue the look of stone from the floor into the shower stall in your master bath retreat. You can also add uniqueness to a mudroom or laundry room – it’s a great way to carry your theme from room to room.

Just be aware that not all materials work in every room. You wouldn’t want to use wood planks on a kitchen wall where they might be damaged from splatters and grease.

Add curb appeal

Do you have too much stone from a recent upgrade to your outside walls? Or from adding an outdoor kitchen in the backyard? Why not continue the look to your front yard and add to your curb appeal too.

By stacking stones, you can create planter boxes, mailboxes, even lamp posts that accentuate your landscaping. You can get lots of ideas online. And when you find looks you love, head over to Pinterest and create a pinboard with your favorites. Then you’ll have inspiration any time you have a few extra hours on your weekends.

Add household decor

Depending on how much wood and stone you have left, you can continue your quest for making individualized and personalized decor for every room in your home.

Extra stones or pebbles from a shower install can be transformed to knobs or pulls on your vanity.

Wood can be transformed into wall hangings or even small pieces of furniture.

Want to make a grand entrance? Try combining stone and wood for an original look to your entryway.

The possibilities are endless when you do a little investigating online. You’ll quickly find many ideas to use all of your leftover materials. And maybe even a few ideas where you’ll need a little bit more.

Flooring
July 14, 2018

Underlayment: The Most Important Choice For Giving Flooring A Long Life

When most people shop for new flooring, they rarely come in with a concept of underlayment and which is the best for their flooring choice. Yet in reality, it’s an equally important decision.

Underlayment is the layer between your flooring choice and the subfloor of your home. You’ll usually find underlayment made of rubber, cork, felt, or foam.

Unless your flooring comes with an attached underlayment, you’ll have to select the right product for your choice in flooring. Underlayment does a lot for your home: it adds softness, it creates a warmer room, it protects your flooring product and can add longevity to its life.

It provides support – it provides a stable environment for your flooring to reside on
It helps resist moisture from creeping through your home
It helps smooth out imperfections in your subfloor
It minimizes noise
It increases the longevity of your flooring

With all of that going for it, it’s worth a few extra minutes to consider your choices and invest in the best for your room.

You should also consider where the underlayment will go. Different rooms have different needs. Living spaces need softness and long wearing choices. Top levels of your home may need noise reduction. Bathrooms, kitchens, and basements may need moisture protection. Adding a vapor barrier will help protect your new floor from moisture.

Foam is the basic underlayment and is used with all kinds of flooring. It’s versatile and can be used in many ways. It’s easy to install and makes a good choice to go along with carpet, vinyl, and even some wood.

Rubber is good at helping protect against mold and mildew. It also protects from the hollow sound you find with some flooring. It’s most commonly used under wood, tile and carpet, and is an excellent choice over both wood and concrete subfloors.

Cork is an eco-friendly choice that offers mold and mildew protection as well. Because water can damage cork flooring, it isn’t the best choice where water is a problem, such as in your basement or bathrooms or other flood-prone areas. Cork with a vapor barrier or using rubber will be a better choice.

Felt is made from recycled fibers and is great at absorbing noise. It’s also great at adding softness to your flooring. You’ll find this works well under laminate, vinyl, hardwood, and more.

What underlayment is right for you?

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