Trends New Home Buyers Want In Flooring

Want to know what’s happening in the world of flooring? Carpeting is getting softer, wood is taking on a variety of new looks, and vinyl is turning into one of the most luxurious, popular floor products on the market today.Trends New Home Buyers Want In Flooring

What’s driving the popularity of luxury vinyl is the increase in technology that makes just about any look possible on a vinyl floor. With extraordinary photo technology, any material can be mimicked and reproduced, giving you the benefits that come along with vinyl, only with a clean, lush look.  If you haven’t looked at vinyl in awhile, you’ll be surprised at the options. It can be installed in sheet format, though increasingly squares and planks are used as well. Wood in the living room, marble in the bathroom – really anything goes when it comes to today’s vinyl options.

But it doesn’t stop there. We know here in Colorado, people love wood. And with open concept living space, wood can be seen throughout the home. But it’s not just the standard woods anymore. Preferences in hardwoods are leaning toward darker stains. Gray tones are becoming increasingly popular. We also see trends towards larger planks, planks that come in multiple sized pieces, and flooring with exotic woods – hickory, cherry, or walnut.  And it’s not just the same old smooth planks either. A wood floor that has been hand scraped and hand textured can completely change the look and feel of a room. You can even dip into environmentally friendly wood flooring with the use of bamboo.

Then we turn to carpeting. Carpeting has seen its share of problems over the years. Some may say it has longevity problems. Some may say it isn’t environmentally friendly. Yet with today’s technology, those things are changing like never before. Today, every manufacturer is greening up their technology. You’ll find companies that recycle nylon or melt down polyester to make new fibers over and over again. They are creating new fiber lines that use up to three times the number of fibers in a more traditional carpet, meaning its softer and more durable than ever before. And because of the color and pattern choices, if you prefer carpet in some areas of your home, you’re going to love the look you discover when you visit our showroom floor.

Is this the year you replace your flooring for a new, updated look?

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Sisal vs Jute Carpeting: Which Is Right For You?

Selecting new carpeting for you home? If you’re looking for a natural, eco-friendly option, it may be time to consider sisal or jute.

Why go natural? Rather than using a synthetic material such as nylon that utilizes natural gas and petroleum to fabricate, and has off-gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a natural fiber uses sustainable, renewable resources to produce an all-natural product. Two of the most popular options are sisal and jute, both of which can make excellent choices for your home.Sisal vs Jute Carpeting: Which Is Right For You?

Sisal comes from the sisal plant, which is a type of agave. Brazil is the largest exporter of sisal fibers. Jute grows in stalks in India and Bangladesh. When stalks are harvested, fibers are removed, and the threads are used to make materials such as burlap.

In many cases, sisal and jute carpeting look similar when laid side by side. Both share a characteristic woven look, and come in natural tones such as tan, beige, and brown. While both materials can be dyed other colors, in many cases the natural colors and tones are what people most prefer about these products.

Overall, jute has a softer touch and feel than sisal. Yet because sisal comes from one of the toughest plants in the world, its durability makes it one of the highest on the list. Sisal provides excellent wear and durability in your highest traffic areas, especially on stairs, hallways and busy living quarters. Jute is a better option for less wear and tear, such as home offices or bedrooms.

In both cases, sisal and jute are fairly low maintenance. Regular vacuuming will keep both looking their best throughout the week. Both sisal and jute are incredibly absorbent, meaning a spill will begin soaking into the fibers almost immediately. If spills occur, cleaning them immediately is imperative to removing the stain. And because it soaks in liquids quickly, it’s also better not to use wet shampoos and steam cleaning on the fibers.

Considering sisal or jute carpeting for your home? Stop by and see your options today.

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What Is Your Carpet Pad Made From?

Ever wondered what the carpet pad underneath your carpeting is made from?

Bonded urethane foam, also known as rebond, is the most common type of carpet padding on the market today. What Is Your Carpet Pad Made From?Currently about 80 percent of padding sold is made from bonded foam, which is constructed of foam scraps left over from the manufacturing process of things like furniture, mattresses, even automobile components. In many cases, the scraps also come from scrap generated by the foam making process. It can include recycled and post-consumer foam.

Foam scraps and cut into small pieces before being fused together using either an adhesive or a heat process. The foam is then bonded to fabric, net or a plastic film to give the pad its strength. It also makes it easier to handle during the installation process.

Bonded urethane foam pads use a great deal of foam that would otherwise go to waste, making it an excellent choice for people wanting greener choices in the products they buy. Prices are also fairly low, given that the product is created from scrap and waste.

You’ll find bonded foam padding in different levels of thickness. The minimum standard for bonded urethane foam is 0.375 inch and 5 pounds per cubic foot for light to moderate traffic areas, with 6.5 pounds per cubic foot foam for heavy traffic areas. Many professionals and manufacturers will recommend up to 8 pounds per cubic feet to better protect your carpet, depending on usage. Be sure to check with your flooring specialist before making final decision.

Bonded foam pads are less likely to contain butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) today than in the past. BHT was found to contribute to off-gassing which can impact your health. But to be sure, ask the seller to make sure your carpet padding is as green as possible.

Have other questions about carpet padding?

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Comparing Carpet Fibers

Looking for new carpet for your home? There are four basic carpet fibers used in production. They all have unique qualities and strengths; all provide different characteristics and benefits.Comparing Carpet Fibers

Although you will find some carpets are made from blends, in general, carpeting is made from one of four fibers:

  • Nylon
  • Polyester
  • Polypropylene
  • Wool

Nylon
In overall performance, nylon is the most versatile of all fibers. Because it provides durability and flexibility when developing different styles of carpet, you’ll find it’s the most widely used in production. Nylon yarn can be dyed in a full range of colors and hold its uniformity throughout. Nylon can be used to create a wide variety of looks, from cut pile to loop pile designs. It’s also one of the softer fibers, giving a luxurious appearance wherever it’s installed. Though not inherently stain resistant, many manufacturers add a stain resistant treatment for protection against daily messes.

Polyester
Polyester fibers are great choices for rooms that will receive low to medium traffic, such as in the bedrooms. Polyester offers exceptional color uniformity and comes in a wide array of colors. It’s strong and as durable as nylon, and will perform well over time. Polyester also has a natural stain and fade resistance, making it ideal for homes with kids.

Polypropylene
Polypropylene fibers, also known as olefin, will not absorb water. Instead of being dyed after production like other fibers, polypropylene fibers use a solution dyeing process in which the color is built into the fibers as they are formed. This means the color is an intrinsic part of the final product and will not fade even when exposed to intense sunlight, bleaches, chemicals or other contaminants. You’ll find most polypropylene carpets in loop pile construction as the fiber isn’t as strong as others under pressure.

Wool
Wool is a traditional favorite for a rich look and feel. It remains a premium choice that is often only found in upper lines and styles. It has excellent resilience and durability. Wool cleans especially well, provides beautiful colors, but tends to wear down especially in high traffic areas. In some cases, bald spots may occur under heavy traffic loads. Although it is naturally stain resistant, it does require a high level of maintenance. It is very popular in the production of area rugs.

Carpet pile fibers significantly impact carpet performance. When making your final selection, make sure you understand the characteristics of the carpeting you are considering, and weigh it carefully against the demands of your home. Talk with one of our carpet specialists to learn more about making the right choice for you.

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5 Carpet Performance Myths

Carpeting; if it looks the same, it is the same, right?

Nothing can be further from the truth. With many different manufacturers, brands, styles and types, there’s a lot to learn about carpeting before you make the final selection for your home.

Depending on the carpet dealer you talk with, you may have found yourself believing some of the top myths in the industry. Here are a few of the top myths I’ve worked through with other customers.5 Carpet Performance Myths

Myth #1 If they look the same, they are the same
This is the most common belief in homeowners looking for new flooring. But in many ways, it’s like saying all blue four-door cars are the same. We know there’s a difference between a Fort and a BMW. And likewise, there’s a difference in the carpeting you choose based on manufacturer and style. In almost every case, it comes down to final performance of the carpet. From fiber, to weight, to density, how it looks isn’t necessarily how it will perform in the long term.

Myth #2 High quality carpet won’t show wear
Yes, a top quality carpet should handle better than lower counterparts. But there are a lot of things that can impact wearability. Different fibers work better under different conditions. Having some carpets in high traffic areas can be a recipe for disaster. Durability depends on your ultimate use and your lifestyle; be sure to talk that over with your carpet dealer before making your final selection.

Myth #3 Padding doesn’t matter
Padding is just as important as the carpet you select for overall performance. Without a good pad to absorb the impact of traffic, even the highest grade of carpet won’t perform at its peak performance. Don’t reuse existing pad; select new pad to provide the best performance for your new choices.

Myth #4 Brand is everything
Not necessarily true. Just because you recognize a brand doesn’t mean it’s the perfect choice for you. There are many things to take into consideration. Your lifestyle. Amount of traffic. Use. Preference. Branding can help point you in the right direction; after all, brands have a reputation to live up to. But don’t let that be your only deciding factor.

Myth #5 Your selection will be perfect for years
The last thing we want is to install something and be disappointed with it. A lot of that depends on your expectations. Like everything, carpeting adjusts over time. Allow variances from one product to the next. You may have slightly different results than the carpeting you have installed now.

Ask questions. It’s the best way to get a feel for the carpet you’re considering. Your carpet dealer knows the different brands and styles, and can help you make the best choice for you with a little input about your lifestyle. By trusting in their judgment and your final selection, you’ll have a carpet choice you’ll love for years.

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7 Mistakes People Make When Buying Carpet

Are you in the market for new carpet for your home? It can be a daunting task. It’s not a process you do on a regular basis, and with the amount of choices available to you, where do you begin?

7 Mistakes People Make When Buying CarpetBecause it’s something you purchase infrequently, don’t make common mistakes and regret your purchase almost as soon as it’s installed. These are the most common mistakes we see people making; avoid these and you’ll love your purchase from the moment it’s installed.

1. Assuming carpet weight impacts quality

When making a major purpose, we like to find ways of distinguishing good, better, best. So when we see carpeting described by face weight, it’s easy to assume one is better than another based on numbers alone. However, when it comes to carpet, many factors play into the final decision. A 50 oz carpet isn’t necessarily better than a 40 oz one. There are many other factors to take into consideration, such as twist, density, materials, etc.

2. Choosing the wrong padding

Some will elect to place all of their money in the carpeting, assuming what’s visible matters most. Unfortunately, this is one of the worst mistakes you can make. Padding saves on wear and tear for your carpet by absorbing the impact of foot traffic. A better grade pad will feel more comfortable to walk on, and perform better for the long term.

3. Judging carpets based on looks

This holds true if you’re getting quotes from different retailers on different products and brand names. Just because they look the same doesn’t mean they are. Be sure you are comparing on the same level: are they made from the same fiber, are they the same style, do they offer the same warranty, will they be installed in a similar manner?

4. Attempting DIY carpet installation

Flooring is one of the most important parts of your home. You walk on it every day. And if it isn’t installed correctly, problems will surface immediately. Like frayed edges around the baseboards; bubbles and ripples in the middle of the rooms. Many warranties stipulate that carpet must be installed professionally in order to be valid. So make sure to do your research and plan ahead if you are going to perform the install. Or, consider spending the extra money to save time and headache.

5. Not considering your lifestyle

Yes, you love your neighbor’s light colored carpets. But with a busy family, several kids and a cat and a dog, does light carpeting really make sense? Think about your needs before you hone in on a selection. Let a carpet rep offer advice based on how much traffic your carpets will see.

6. Calculating square footage incorrectly

Taking your own measurements gives you a starting point. But a reputable retailer will want to verify those measurements for you. It’s more complicated than adding up the square footage of your rooms. A retailer will account for the width or the carpet roll, the direction of the carpet pile, the individual nuances of your room. They will know when you’ve left out important pieces, and adjust accordingly.

7. Trusting a promotion

Oh, those special deals you find on television ads or in coupons or flyers. They seem too good to be true, don’t they? Yep, they are. If someone is charging a very low price for carpeting, they are making it up somewhere else. In order to stay in business, they have to make a profit, so there must be hidden charges to make up for the offer they pull you in with. If it seems too good to be true, realize it probably is.

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Mistakes To Avoid When Adding Carpeting To Stairs

Nothing makes a grander entrance than a beautiful staircase leading from the upstairs down into your entryway. The wood. The trim. The carpet.Mistakes To Avoid When Adding Carpeting To Stairs

Yet nothing takes away from that look more than a poorly installed carpet. And not only will it become an eyesore, but it can also be dangerous as well.

From measuring properly to attaching the carpeting firmly into place, there is a lot of room for error in making sure it’s done the right way. Whether it’s a runner or full carpeting, it requires correct installation to keep looking its best for many years to come.

Tackless Strip Mistakes
One of the most important features used to install carpeting on stairs are the tackless strips. They shouldn’t be placed right next to the corner of the stairs. They should also be completely parallel to the crotch of the stairs. A common mistake is to place the tackless strip with upward facing pins instead of leaning them towards the crotch. When using a runner, make sure the tackless strip is cut and placed so the runner extends one inch to either side of the strip.

Padding Mistakes
Never cut the padding in long strips to flow down the stairs. Instead, cut individual lengths for each riser/tread combination of each stair. Also, verify that the padding is cut to size to avoid having to stretch it too tightly. Never using padding to overlap the tackless strip. Instead, cut it so it rests right up against each strip.

Carpeting Mistakes
With a carpeting runner, a common mistake is to neglect to fold each long edge over by scoring it along the backside of the carpet. This makes sure the frayed edges are invisible. Staircase carpeting is installed in one long piece. If you precut it lengthwise, be sure to cut it accurately for the total length, including risers and treads. Another common mistake is cutting it too short, which leaves a seam in a less than perfect location. Also, be sure the staircase is clean and free of debris during installation. Anything that can cause a bubble or a less than perfect installation will show up in the final texture, providing a less than flush appearance from stair to stair. It can also be dangerous, depending on where the problems lie.

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Is It Time To Replace Laminate With Carpeting?

You were dazzled with your laminate floors when you first had them installed. You loved the wood look, loved the patterns and design. You were also excited about it being more durable, easier to clean up.Is It Time To Replace Laminate With Carpeting?

And then there’s longevity; you thought your laminates would be the perfect home addition for years to come.

Now, though, you find yourself tired of the look. Your room is louder than you like. You miss the comfy feeling of carpeting underfoot.

The good news is carpeting is still as popular as ever. And with today’s technology, is more durable and stain resistant than ever. Making it the perfect replacement for the laminates that might have lost their luster.

According to the World Floor Covering Association, fifty to fifty-five percent of all flooring sold each year is carpeting. Why?

Lots of Choices
When it comes to selecting a carpet for you home, you’ll have an almost unlimited supply to choose from. If you have a pattern, a look, a color or a need in mind, chances are it can be met perfectly with carpet.

Hardworking Fibers
People often associate the most resilient carpeting with a scratch, stiff surface. Not so anymore. Manufacturers use technology that combines synthetic molecules tightly together, so the fibers are smaller in diameter. This means more softness per square inch of carpeting.

That also means it’s more crush and stain resistant. And because today’s carpets can be made with few chemicals that are more earth-friendly by nature, you’ll also be installing a carpet that’s better for your health. That’s a big plus for families with sensitivity to chemicals, or parents who may be worried about what their kids are playing on.

Competitive Costs
Many homeowners choose laminate because of its low cost. Carpeting can come in around the same price points. And because you’ll find warranties and lifespans can equal that of laminate, it makes sense to keep carpeting at the top of your potential list.

Should you trade in your laminates for carpeting? It’s always a personal choice. Laminates will always be a great option when you choose to bring in the look of wood or tile to a room for less than the real thing. It’s easy to install, and a durable option for any home. But carpeting has its benefits too, especially in rooms where comfort and warmth is a part of your life.

Stop by today to see the differences. And learn which is the right choice for you.

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What Is Your Carpet Made From

The starting point of every carpet is the fiber. Look at a carpet and you’ll see fibers created from thousands of tiny threads that when combined create color and patterns and style. They define both the texture and the softness, and will determine how durable your carpets will be in the months and years to come.What Is Your Carpet Made From

Most carpets are constructed with either bulked continuous filament (BCF), which are long continuous strands twisted together to form carpet yarn, or Staple fibers, which are bulkier and shorter fibers like wool.

There are only four primary fibers used in carpeting today: nylon, polypropylene, polyester and wool.

Nylon – is a petroleum based synthetic fabric that was invented by Dupont Chemical Company as a silk alternative. Today’s nylon is engineered to be durable, wear resistant and offer resistance to stains, making it a perfect choice for high traffic areas.

Polypropylene – is a colorfast, stain resistant, moisture resistant, and low static option for carpet. It’s lightweight, won’t fade, and stands up well to strong chemical cleaning products. It’s a softer fiber, not as durable as wool or nylon, and should be used in lighter foot traffic areas, such as bedrooms.

Polyester – is a less expensive alternative to wool. It still offers the environmentally friendly factors of wool, often being made from recycled products such as plastic soda or water bottles. It’s colorfast, soft, plush and one of the most affordable carpets you can buy.

Wool – is created from sheep fiber and is often considered to be the very best carpet material available. It’s natural, durable, luxurious, soft, flame retardant, water repellant, stain resistant and environmentally friendly.

Visit a flooring dealer and you will find carpets by many different manufacturers. Think of it as you would fashion; the name brand gives an indication of the quality and the workmanship. Carpet works the same way, with name brands offering you the best quality in the business. Brand names are manufactured to strict standards, offering better performance characteristics, improved stain and static resistance, and better warranties.

Want to find the perfect carpet for your home? Stop by today and discover the perfect carpeting for your home.

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Why Cushion Backed Carpet Tiles Are A Necessity

Doing a little research on carpet tiles? The first thing you’ll notice is the difference in the backing. Carpet tiles come with a hardback or a cushion back. Which is best? There are a number of reasons why cushion backed carpet tiles may be the winner.Why Cushion Backed Carpet Tiles Are A Necessity

Easy To Install
Certain types of cushion backed carpet tiles have a open cell cushion backing which is non-reactive. This means the backing won’t react to traces of adhesive that may be left on the sub-floor and cause problems with the adhesion process. A non-reactive back means less time in clean up from the old carpeting, less time in preparation to lay the new. And because you won’t have to prime or seal the floor, you’ll reduce your labor and installation costs throughout the process.

Durability
Most people focus in on the carpet when deciding on a carpet. Yet if long-wearing and durability is your ultimate goal, look towards the backing as well. Cushion absorbs the impact of foot traffic, not the fibers. Which means that by upgrading to a cushion backed tile, you can add as much as 50 percent lifespan to your carpet life.

Reduce Noise
In many cases you’ll be adding carpet to reduce noise. By adding cushion backed tiles, you’ll have a quieter space, with the cushion absorbing as much as 50 percent more noise than that of other products. Less noise, less stress, happier surroundings.

Control Moisture
Do you have moisture problems? High humidity levels? Issues with mold or mildew? Cushion backed carpet tiles may be your solution. Open cell cushioning prevents mold and mildew better than any other backing. It allows carpet to breathe and enables moisture to escape through the seams rather than staying trapped between the floor and the carpet. Some carpets can be installed in areas with relative humidity levels as high as 85 percent; be sure to check with the manufacture to ensure the carpeting meets your specifications.

Cushion backed carpet tiles may be the perfect solution for you. If you want a great looking floor that can provide comfort and well-being for everyone in the space, look no further. To discover the many options available to you, stop by today.

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