Blog - PRO! Flooring

Carpet, Flooring
February 14, 2017

What To Know About Carpet Before You Buy

Some things exist in your home that you probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about. Your carpet, for instance. Sure, you may vacuum it on a regular basis. You may spot clean it if you spill. But it normally takes years before you look at it with the thought of removing it and installing something new.

Because we don’t replace our flooring on a regular basis, you might not understand all of the details you should consider before selecting a replacement. Most of walk in with a certain color carpet in mind, possibly even an idea of texture or pattern. But what about construction? What about specific characteristics?

The best carpet you can install has the right combination of characteristics, aesthetics, performance and budget you can afford. It takes into account your lifestyle, how you live, and more importantly your expectations.

Our goal is to make sure every client that comes through our door has a thorough understanding of the carpeting they select to lay down in their home. And with a few tips in mind, you can make the right choice for you.

Durability and Quality are Connected

In most cases, when you select a higher quality carpet, you will also be selecting one with a higher durability factor. High quality carpets typically have a greater pile density, tighter twist construction, which will give you better durability throughout the life of the carpet.

Seams

Carpeting comes in rolls that are either 12 feet, 13 feet 6 inches, or 15 feet widths. Unless you have a small room that is narrower than these measurements, you will have seams in your carpet. With a looped or low-profile pattern, the seams may be visible. Use this knowledge to place seams in lower traffic, lower used areas, and adjust according to texture, lighting and furniture placement.

Go With The Flow

Every carpet has nap that runs in one direction. This becomes especially important if you seam your carpet; ensure the nap is placed so it runs together. Shading is also a normal characteristic of cut pile carpets, which can be particularly apparent with a plush carpet. Use furniture and window coverings to lessen the effect.

Color Rules

Sure, you loved the color in the store. But when you get the carpet installed in your home, the color is off somehow. It’s lighter than what you thought. This is a natural optical effect that occurs when it’s installed. And it’s a good point to keep in mind when debating between two colors.

Also keep in mind the size of your room. A lighter colored carpet will make a room appear larger; a darker carpet will bring the walls closer together, creating a more intimate feeling. Neutral colors are always one of the best choices, especially if you change out your decor a lot or use lots of bright colors in your decorating schemes. They are also a good choice if you plan on selling your home anytime soon.

Padding

One of the most important considerations of your new carpet isn’t the carpet itself, it’s the padding underneath. Carpet cushion can make the difference between a good feeling carpet and a great one. It can also extend the life of your carpet by giving it a higher wear factor. When debating between two pads, always select the higher quality for better performance all around.

Is new carpeting in your future?

Flooring
February 8, 2017

Should You DIY or Hire A Contractor For Your Flooring Project?

Flooring is one of the easiest ways to give your room a fresh new look. Whether you’re replacing tiles in the front entryway, or installing hardwood throughout, chances are you’re looking for ways to save money in the process. Where should you cut … and where should you splurge?

Should you do it yourself? Or hire a contractor for your flooring project?

You have to look beyond the cost of the flooring. Even when you DIY, there is a lot of costs to consider. To do it yourself, you’ll have to factor in:

Flooring materials
Ordering, shipping and delivery fees
Equipment for removal of old flooring and molding
Tools and supplies
Repairs for mistakes

With a pro, ensure they list everything in their quote to ensure you know the cost before saying yes.

All materials needed for installation
Preparation and installation fees
Cleanup and removal fees

While costs are important, skill level is equally important. If you don’t enjoy getting your hands dirty, or have no experience in installation, the DIY method may not be the best route for you. Flooring needs to take the abuse of walking on it every day. If it’s not installed up to par, you’ll see the impact right away.

Ask yourself a few questions about your experience level:

Have I ever installed flooring before?
Do I know how to use the tools needed for the project?
Do I enjoy taking on hard labor tasks?
Do I know what to look for with the subfloor?
Do I understand how to transition from one room to another?
Do I know how to safely remove old flooring and prep the subfloor?
Do I know how to check for water damage and mold?

Installing flooring can be a difficult process if you aren’t prepared. If you found yourself questioning your skill level with any of these questions, it may be best to leave your flooring project to the professionals, and trying your DIY skills somewhere else.

Carpet, Flooring
February 3, 2017

Are Carpet Seams Acceptable?

When you slide on your shirt or your pants in the morning, you probably don’t think much about the construction. We accept the fact that seams are a part of the construction.

But what about your carpet?

Carpet rolls come in three sizes – 12’, 15’, and occasionally 13’ 6”. That means if your room size is larger, or if you have long hallways or are carpeting your entire home, you’ll have seams in various places. While some carpets hide it better than others, it is important to realize that seams will never be invisible. But a good carpet installer will be able to place it in such a way it has minimal impact.

Different carpets will seam differently

Depending on the size and traffic of a room, you can choose carpets where seams will be less noticeable. Berbers, for example, are the most difficult to hide seams. That doesn’t mean they aren’t worth the investment, it means you should have realistic expectations about their placement. Shags and twists are the easiest to seam because their loose pile will blend well once installed.

Acceptable seams

You may hear the term acceptable seam when looking at carpets. Seams are visible when they are used to install your carpeting. They are even more visible when you know where they are. An acceptable seam should have the carpet backings flush with one another. They should never have gaps or overlays. Berber carpet should be cut lengthwise along the bias, never cut with a cross seam as it will be more noticeable.

Unacceptable seams

We would term an unacceptable seam those that are not flush with each other, or cause a gap between the pieces of carpet. If you have carpeting installed and this is a problem, in some cases it can be repaired.

Seam peaking

Seam peaking occurs when the seam is set, and then stretching occurs as the installation process is completed. When the carpet is stretched, it is pulled where the edges of the tape are attached to the carpet, and the two pieces lift to create a peak. Seam peaking can be minimized, but only if a professional understands how to install a carpet correctly. This is often one of the easiest ways to tell a professional job from one that wasn’t.

Seams are a part of most carpet installations in the home. They aren’t something to be feared when handled correctly. Have a question?

Flooring
January 29, 2017

Using Steam Cleaners and Swiffer Cleaners On Your Floors

We’ve all seen the commercials on television showing steam cleaners and Swiffer cleaners being used on floors. They show them as a better alternative to cleaning your hardwood, vinyl and laminate flooring.

It’s hard not to buy into what they are selling. They make cleaning look like an easy job. Simply push a button and with a light touch, have your floors cleaned in minutes.

Of course, these companies say their products are safe for any floor type. They want you to use their products. But are they really?

Overwhelmingly, the answer is no.

Most manufacturers warranties for laminate, hardwood and vinyl flooring will have a statement like this:

Our warranty does not cover damage caused by improper installation, negligence, water erosion, abrasion, extreme heat or temperature, cleaning care or maintenance contrary to written instruction provided.

In other words, if you use a steam cleaner, your warranty is voided.

You can also look at steam cleaner guidelines to determine what flooring they are most appropriate for. You’ll usually find guidelines like this:

Engineered for premium performance exclusively on hard floor surfaces. Our steam machines can be used on all sealed surfaces: sealed hardwood, linoleum, ceramic tile, marble, or other stone flooring. We do not suggest using steam cleaning on unsealed surfaces such as unfinished hardwood, unglazed ceramic tile, or unsealed ceramic stone. If a surface has been treated with wax, the sheen may be removed by the heat and steam action.

For Swiffer cleaners, they also have the potential for voiding warranties. The cleaning agents within the Swiffer cleaner products often has cleaning agents even more damaging to the finish of your flooring, depending on the product you choose. All flooring manufacturers have some kind of statement to cover themselves in case a cleaning product is used and there is an issue. They often say they will not cover:

Dissatisfaction due to improper maintenance.

Discoloration or damage caused by adhesives or floor care products not recommended.

Improper maintenance. Maintenance must be followed according to manufacturer’s guidelines.

The bottom line is that if you choose a particular flooring for your home, adhere to manufacturers guidelines to ensure your warranty remains intact for the life of your flooring, or as long as your warranty is in place.

About Pro Flooring Brokers in Denver

We are a one stop shop for all of your flooring and installation needs. Located in Denver, CO, we have been family owned and operated for over 30 years! Our passion is your project.

Have a Flooring Project in the Denver Area?

Commercial and residential customers love our huge selection of carpet, hardwood, porcelain tile, natural stone, luxury vinyl tile/planks, laminate flooring, and sheet vinyl flooring. Check out our products to learn more. Visit our showroom, meet our team, and let’s start your flooring project together. We offer:

Complimentary on-site measuring
Flooring estimates based on floor plans or blueprints
Installations performed by trained and qualified installers
Full one-year guarantee on all workmanship (in addition to manufacturer’s warranty)

Flooring and installation are made easy with the PRO! Flooring Brokers. Contact us, visit our showroom, or call today at 303.788.0113. We look forward to helping you!

Area Rugs
January 27, 2017

Decorating With Area Rugs

Here throughout the Rockies, we love our hardwood floors. But hardwoods can be cold in the winter, and can be easily damaged in high traffic areas. Which is why many of us turn to decorating with area rugs to add protection to a room.

Before you begin shopping, it’s important to accurately measure the total width and length of your room. It’s also important to measure the functional pieces in your room. In the dining room, for example, measure the dining table and chairs. Sketch a floor plan to show furniture placement and traffic flow.

Once you have all measurements in place, go back and subtract the area rug from your room measurements to judge the exposed floor space. How much space is there between the wall and the area rug? This measurement will help you determine the proper size of a rug to ensure it fits both with the look and functionality of your space.

A rug in the dining room should be large enough to fit the table and the chairs when all of your guests are seated, and the chairs are pulled out. This will give your room a balanced feel, as well as prevent your hardwoods from getting scratches. In most cases, your area rug should be at least three feet wider and three feet longer than your dining table when all chairs are pushed in. An average sized dining room table with six chairs works well on an 8×10 rug. A larger table that seats eight or ten would work best on a 9×12 or slightly larger rug. A 10×14 works well for 10 chairs.

Ensure three to four feet of hard surface around the perimeter of the rug to give the illusion of a large, roomy dining room. The exposed floor underneath also works as a border to the rug. All other furniture in the dining space, such as buffet or china cabinet, should rest on the floor, not on the rug.

In a living room or family room, rugs are a great way to define living space and make them appear cozy. You can build a conversation area in front of a fireplace by using an 8×10 rug with a sofa and two chairs arranged around a coffee table. Then create a corner reading area with an armchair, ottoman, bookshelves and a lamp table offset by a complementary 4×6 or 5×7 rug.

The size of your room will determine how many functional spaces you can build. If your room is small with one focal point, such as a fireplace, it’s best to choose a rug that doesn’t compete or distract from the focal point. If you use more than one rug, it’s best to vary the scale of the pattern and alter the design. Rugs don’t have to be identical, but should match in tone and feeling.

How can you use area rugs to define your space?

About Pro Flooring Brokers in Denver

We are a one stop shop for all of your flooring and installation needs. Located in Denver, CO, we have been family owned and operated for over 30 years! Our passion is your project.

Have a Flooring Project in the Denver Area?

Complimentary on-site measuring
Flooring estimates based on floor plans or blueprints
Installations performed by trained and qualified installers
Full one-year guarantee on all workmanship (in addition to manufacturer’s warranty)

Flooring and installation are made easy with the PRO! Flooring Brokers. Contact us, visit our showroom, or call today at 303.788.0113. We look forward to helping you!

Hardwood Flooring
January 23, 2017

5 Signs You’ve Hired A Pro For Your Hardwood Floors

You’ve finally decided to rip out the carpeting throughout your home and install hardwood floors instead. You’re ready for the look and feel of hardwoods throughout, and can’t wait to have them installed.

There are many ways you can go about it. You can do it yourself. You can hire a friend of a friend. You can find a coupon and get a great deal. These ways can all work well … or be a complete disaster.

Laying hardwood flooring isn’t rocket science. But if you don’t do it correctly, the results can be bad. Unless you are very confident in your DIY skills, you probably shouldn’t install solid hardwood floors yourself. There is a lot to know to ensure a quality installation, once that will last you years, even decades into the future.

But hiring isn’t as easy as saying yes to the first person you meet. Hire the wrong contractor and it can be just as bad as doing it yourself. How do you know you’ve hired a great flooring contractor?

They provide a detailed and thorough quote up front

Did you know a reputable flooring company uses quotes as legal and binding contracts? All reputable flooring companies will have you sign it before they ever begin work. A quote should give you everything about the project at hand. It should include what is in the installation cost as well as info about the hardwood flooring. It should outline exactly what they’ll be doing for you, and how much you’ll pay for the entire process.

They should check moisture and acclimate your flooring

You can’t bring in hardwood floor and install it the same day. Solid hardwood flooring swells and contracts depending on the moisture content of your home. It is essential that your flooring contractor ensures that your wooden flooring is properly acclimated to its new environment before it is nailed into place. A reputable flooring company will take moisture content meter readings of the floor and subfloor long before they begin. It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for your wood to acclimate to its new location.

They should build and prepare your subfloor

Before the first plank is laid into place, the subfloor needs to be thoroughly prepared. This means creating a clean, flat, dry surface area to begin. If the subfloor isn’t level, it can lead to bouncy or squeaky floor boards. Also ensure that your hardwood floor contractor uses materials appropriate for subflooring, for example, plywood rather than particleboard.

They should prepare the layout

If the hardwood installation team arrives and is nailing down your hardwood planks within minutes of arrival, you might have a reason to be concerned. A good installation team will plot out the layout of your entire area before they begin to ensure they don’t run into problems later. Not all rooms are perfectly square. Not all planks are cut in the same way. It’s also important that they factor in how to deal with hallways and stairs, or handle special considerations such as fireplaces, entryways, or landings.

They use enough nails

If hardwood isn’t fastened properly, you’ll inevitably have problems down the road. Not enough fasteners lead to moving noisy floorboards with gaps. There are many different approaches to installation, but in general, you should have at least two nails in every board, with a nail 1 to 3 inches from each board end. Each nail is 8 to 12 inches apart in traditional planks, with it being 6 to 8 inches for planks 4 inches or wider. And of course, it’s important to follow manufacturers guidelines.

Are you ready to hire a pro to install your hardwood floors?

Tile Floors
January 19, 2017

Tiling 101: A Guide To Grout

If you’ve been looking at adding new tile to your home, or upgrading tile you already have in place, you probably know a thing or two about grout. Grout is simply the mortar or paste used for filling between the tile spaces. Grout is important to bind materials together and give you a surface that stands up to wear and tear. It’s also important for aesthetic purposes, creating a design you’ll enjoy every day.

The type of grout you use depends on the style, tile color, and type of material selected. The most common types of grout are sanded and non-sanded, each with their own properties.

Non-Sanded

Non-sanded grout is a cement based grout normally used on smaller tile joints. It is recommended in floor and wall applications where the joint spacing is not more than 1/8th inch. This grout is designed for use in tile surfaces that are dry when the grout is applied. The water retentive additive allows grout to stay moist while being applied until it cures properly. It’s easier to work with on vertical surfaces because it stays in a more solid state throughout the production process.

Sanded

Sanded grout is used for larger joints. Sanded grout uses a cement based mortar that has small sand grains added to it to help in the setting process. By adding the sand to grout, the mortar is stronger and stands up to more abuse throughout daily living. It is an excellent alternative for natural stone, marble tiles, glass, and heavier tile materials. This grout is applied to moistened tile and is cured while damp. Depending on the polish of the stone, sanded grout may scratch the surface. If you decide to use sanded grout, be sure to test it before using to make sure it will not scratch your existing floor.

Epoxy

Epoxy grout is quite different than its counterparts. Epoxy grout is made from epoxy resins and a filler powder, which makes it extremely hard, durable, and nearly stain-proof. The bond between tiles is often stronger than the tile itself. However, most installers find it more difficult to use than other grouts. It also has a more plastic appearance, which some people don’t like. It’s also much more difficult to shape and slope, making transitions from tile to tile more difficult. It may slump in the joints after the floor is finished as it cures and loses its volume. It can also take longer to cure, and is more expensive than the sanded or non-sanded alternatives.

Have questions about your tile project? Stop in for a little help. We can help you make the right decision for your home.

About Pro Flooring Brokers in Denver

We are a one stop shop for all of your flooring and installation needs. Located in Denver, CO, we have been family owned and operated for over 30 years! Our passion is your project.

Have a Flooring Project in the Denver Area?

Complimentary on-site measuring
Flooring estimates based on floor plans or blueprints
Installations performed by trained and qualified installers
Full one-year guarantee on all workmanship (in addition to manufacturer’s warranty)

Flooring and installation are made easy with the PRO! Flooring Brokers. Contact us, visit our showroom, or call today at 303.788.0113. We look forward to helping you!

Flooring
January 16, 2017

How Flooring Can Make Your Room Look Bigger

While the only way to make the size of your room larger is to knock down a wall or two, there are ways to give it the appearance of being larger without going through all of that hassle.

Large Tiles
Instead of installing standard size tiles, increase the size to create the illusion of a larger square footage room. If you opt for larger tiles, select a pattern that does not include a border or design work along the edges. These details will have the same effect as small tiles and will break up the room. A smooth transition from wall to wall will create a freeflow throughout the room.

Monochromatic Design
By selecting a monochromatic color scheme, you’ll decrease the contrast in the room, which will give the appearance of a larger space overall. Having a flow of similar colors from the floor to the wall unites the space and creates a calmer aesthetic. Pop color in your décor to add your own personality.

Wide Plank
Just like utilizing larger tiles make a room look larger, wide plank hardwood will have the same effect. Installing wider planks will create less “seams” to break up the surface area, and will give the illusion of a larger space. You can choose wide plank hardwood, or select from wide plank stone which gives the appearance of hardwood, but with all the benefits of having stone tiles instead.

Install on a Diagonal
A diagonal line from one corner of a room to the opposite corner is the longest straight line that can be drawn on a surface. If you install your flooring in a diagonal pattern, you will trick the eye into seeing the room as a larger space than it actually is.

Dark Hardwood
Dark flooring doesn’t have to create a dark, dingy room. The best way to utilize dark hardwood is to contrast it with light colored walls. The effect will move your line of vision up from the floor to the details in your décor. When combined with lots of windows for natural light, you can create just the right look.

Consistency
If your home has an open floorplan, it’s much easier to create a space that has the appearance of being larger than it is. Install the same flooring from room to room, which will give the illusion of one large space as it transitions from room to room.

About Pro Flooring Brokers in Denver

We are a one stop shop for all of your flooring and installation needs. Located in Denver, CO, we have been family owned and operated for over 30 years! Our passion is your project.

Have a Flooring Project in the Denver Area?

Complimentary on-site measuring
Flooring estimates based on floor plans or blueprints
Installations performed by trained and qualified installers
Full one-year guarantee on all workmanship (in addition to manufacturer’s warranty)

Flooring and installation are made easy with the PRO! Flooring Brokers. Contact us, visit our showroom, or call today at 303.788.0113. We look forward to helping you!

Area Rugs, Flooring
January 10, 2017

How To Properly Store Rugs

Do you like switching out your rugs for a fresh look in your décor? Do you have several rugs you rotate to prevent too much wear? It’s important to properly store your rugs to ensure a long life; to ensure they stay in top appearance throughout their lives.

The best location for storage of your rugs would be a room that is cool, dry, and where they are blocked from natural light. While it is possible to adapt many spaces in the house for rug storage, avoid using attics and basements, which are usually without climate control and suffer the largest swings in temperature and relative humidity.

When storing a rug, it’s best to roll it. Never fold a rug for either short or long term storage. Folding can cause permanent creases to form and ruin your rug.

It is generally best to roll a rug with the pile facing in, since it is not as strong as the foundation. Lay the rug face up with the pile going away from you. Then roll, keeping the rug as straight as possible while you roll. To help keep it straight, use a rod or wooden dowel, or one that is specifically used for rugs.

To ensure the roll is straight, consider using a piece of cotton or muslin material cut the width of the rug. Wrap the muslin over both edges of the rug. This allows you to get a secure roll onto your rod before rolling your rug, and allows you to get a tight roll at both ends to protect against insects and dirt. When the roll is complete, secure the roll with cotton or polyester tape.

Living in a climate where humidity is low can damage your rugs. Consider raising the level of humidity slightly with a humidifier.

Also, ensure your rugs do not receive sunlight. Block with shades or blinds to ensure your rug won’t fade over time.

Also, avoid storing rugs directly on the floor. Carpet beetles, in particular, like to take up residence between the back of your rug and the floor, and can do serious harm to your rugs in a very short period of time. Because most moth or carpet beetle infestations occur in improperly stored rugs, it’s a good idea to check your storage area periodically to ensure your rugs remain in good condition. If you have more than one rug stored in a single location, choose one randomly once per month to check. If there is no evidence of infestation, you’re probably safe.

Are you storing your rugs properly?

Flooring
January 5, 2017

The Benefits Of Carpet For Your Colorado Business

Thinking of redoing the floors in your commercial location? It might be time to give carpeting another look.

Whether choosing broadloom or carpet tile, carpet is one of the easiest ways to customize your businesses look and feel. You can choose from thousands of carpet styles and colors to create a work environment that reflects your company’s culture. You can use calming colors in and educational setting or clean design for healing in medical practices. The possibilities are truly endless.

Reduces Noise
One of the biggest benefits of using carpeting is noise reduction. Many commercial locations today have open area systems where phone conversations and frequent employee communication can be distracting. Carpet helps increase employee production by absorbing the sounds from all around. Adding the appropriate padding beneath the carpet can reduce noise even further. Carpet also acts as a sound barrier between floors, blocking sound transmission between spaces. It can also help in stairways to help mask the sound of constant foot traffic.

Avoid Slips and Cushion Falls
Carpet is ideal for adding cushion to the areas we walk on, reducing slip and falls and minimizing impact should they occur. Carpeting provides an added level of safety for everyone. It’s particularly important in areas where young children play or where elderly visit on a frequent basis, such as in medical facilities or nursing homes.

Provide Comfort
Carpet provides thermal resistance, which can be added benefit in cold climates. It retains heat and provides energy conservation during the coldest months. Carpet creates a comfortable environment in which to work, and gives the space a warmer feeling overall.

Low VOC
Many of today’s top carpeting choices have the lowest VOC emitters of common flooring choices. They often require fewer cleaning chemicals than other flooring choices, meaning fewer introductions of harsh chemicals into your work environment. In addition, carpet can help improve indoor air quality by trapping allergens and other particles so they can be vacuumed away.

Is carpeting a good choice for your commercial location?