Carpet Archives - Page 13 of 15

Carpet, Flooring
January 6, 2016

Cleaning Christmas Tree Sap From Your Carpet

The holidays are over. The trimmings are tucked away for another year. Yet after everything is packed away and the Christmas tree is out the door, what do you do about your carpet?

Nothing says Christmas like the smell of a live Christmas tree. Yet sap on your carpets may have you wondering why an artifical tree isn’t a better way to go. Yes, live Christmas trees are often one of the most magical decorations you put up in your home. But the leftover sap can quickly become a nightmare.

Sap is sort of like removing chewing gum. There are a few ways you can handle it. You can harden it and chip it away. Or you can dissolve it and remove it.

1. Rubbing alcohol is a product that can help dry out sap and allow you to break it off your carpet fibers. Soak a paper towel or soft cloth with rubbing alcohol, then blot the sap gently. Don’t rub. Repeat as needed. Allow to dry and pick the sap from the fibers.

2. Ice works in the same way you would use it to remove gum from your hair. It will take longer to harden sap, as it melts away during the process. Use as much ice as necessary to harden sap, then pick the sap from the fibers.

3. Just like dishwashing detergent can remove the toughest stains from your dishes, it can work with sap as well. Apply a small amount to the carpet fibers, testing a small area first. Massage the detergent into the fibers with a warm, damp cloth. Continue until the sap is loosened and removed. Make sure you return and remove detergent from the fibers, as detergent can attract dirt.

When searching the Internet, you’ll find all kinds of alternative methods for removing sap from carpeting. Peanut butter, mayonnaise, and other greasy items can help break up the sap, but it can also leave a greasy mess in it’s place. If you have additional concerns or have a tough time getting the sap out of your carpet, it may be time to call in the professionals.

Have you tried any other methods for removing sap from carpeting with good luck? We’d love to hear them.

Carpet, Flooring
January 2, 2016

Choosing The Right Carpet Tile Size For Your Office

Is this the year to replace your office’s carpeting to give it a fresh look and feel? The best place to start is by considering your options.

Carpet tile is often the perfect choice for offices. Yet carpet tile specifications can range in many different sizes, shapes and measurements. You’ll find everything from narrow carpet planks to large tiles and rolls. How do you know which is the best for your office conditions?

Today’s carpet tiles typically come in three sizes: planks that are 12in x 36 in, and 24 in and 36 inch squares.

As a general rule, the larger the tile, the lower the installation cost. Installing a room full of 36 inch squares will require less time applying adhesives, removing backing tape, and laying each tile into place than its plank counterpart.

However, larger tiles are heavier, bulkier, and more difficult to maneuver. For large office spaces, they may be the perfect option. Yet for smaller offices that require more intricate placements, they may require more work. Also consider storage space if you choose to keep extras on hand.

With every install there will be a certain amount of waste when laying carpet. The size of your carpet tiles will determine how much waste you will incur. Smaller carpet tiles are more likely to fit without the need of excessive trimming. This is especially true with smaller offices, conference rooms and hallways. If you have unusual room sizes, plank carpet tiles can also offer you flexibility and maneuverability.

Smaller carpet tiles make it possible to create a range of different patterns. Planks are growing in popularity because their thinner shape means more opportunity to create unique and innovative designs.

With today’s installation techniques, seam visibility is becoming less of a concern. When choosing carpet tiles, remember there is no right or wrong size. When it comes to creating an engaging, attractive look for your space, your choices are many. And the best place to start is by viewing your options. Give us a call today.

Carpet, Flooring
December 31, 2015

Avoiding The Hidden Costs Of Carpet Installation

Having new carpet installed in your home? Nothing can freshen up a room more than new carpet.

As it’s being installed, the last thing on your mind is when you’ll need to replace it. Yet if you don’t take certain precautions from the beginning, that time may come sooner than expected.

Want to extend the life of your carpet for as long as possible? Keep these hidden costs in mind as you work with your carpet dealer to find the right carpet for your home.

Moisture
What room are you laying carpet in? Basements are traditionally difficult rooms to control. You may be laying directly onto a concrete flooring, or have water and moisture problems at certain times of the year.

Many carpet manufacturers offer a low relative humidity rating on their standard carpets. Many conventional water based adhesives can break down in high moisture environments. If you know your room may be subjected to higher humidity levels or even occasional water spills, choose wisely before you install.

Removal and Delivery
Many homeowners automatically assume that purchasing new carpeting means they’ll also receive removal of old carpet and delivery of the new carpet as a part of the service. In some cases, both services will be charged as a fee. There is a time factor for pulling up old carpet, removing it from your home, and priming the floor for the new carpet to be installed. Naturally this process takes both time and money. Yet if you don’t ask about it at the time of purchase, this “hidden” charge can take you by surprise. Make sure you review all charges ahead of time; it’s up to you to ask.

Carpet Size
Carpeting comes in a variety of sizes, everything from small carpet tiles, to large rolls in roll widths of 12 feet, 15 feet, and 13 feet 6 inches, in order of availability. Choose the wrong size and your installer will have to cut and fit different pieces into place. Instead, ask about width before you make your final selection. Choosing a carpet that provides seamless coverage from one end of your room to the other not only makes installation easier, but will provide better wearability overall.

Good Deals
We’ve all seen them; those commercials that promise several rooms in your home carpeted for one low fee. What they don’t share with you are the hidden fees, and they will materialize quickly in the final bill. It takes time to remove old carpet. It takes resources to remove old carpet from your home. And with a wide array of manufacturers and products available, there is only one way to guarantee a low price for that “good deal” price; choose the cheapest carpet possible.

Carpeting should be your choice, your style, your needs. And let’s face it, your bedroom has different needs than your basement. When you’re ready to find the perfect new carpet for your home, get started by choosing a carpet dealer you can trust.

Carpet
December 26, 2015

Choosing Carpet For Durability

Want a carpet that will look good for years? There are a number of things to focus in on when making your final selection. In order to choose the right carpeting for durability, it must have:

A proper backing system
When choosing carpeting, look as closely at the backing as you do the carpet. Backing is the most important factor in determining durability.

There are two types of backing, hard backed and cushion backed. With hard backed carpet, the carpet fibers receive full impact of foot traffic, which damages the fibers on a quicker basis. The appearance of your carpet will also deteriorate in a shorter period of time. With a cushion backed carpeting, the carpet comes with cushion to impact some of the foot traffic, reducing fiber wear.

Cushion backing comes in both open cell and closed cell construction. Open cell cushion backing allows cushion to re-inflate after compression, protecting carpet fibers for a longer period of time. Open cell construction will provide you with the most effective shock absorption.

Color and Pattern
A dark colored carpet, or one with patterns, will naturally be more durable at hiding dirt and spills than a light colored carpet with little to no pattern. It’s important to take into account the location of your carpet when selecting the right color and pattern. In high traffic areas, selecting darker patterns will always give you more longevity.

Fiber Construction
If carpet pile is denser, packed together and has more stability from end to end, it will last longer. When you walk on carpet, the fibers bend and rub together. This causes friction, which wears away at the fibers. The closer the carpet pile is packed together, the less movement occurs. Which means less friction, less wear, and a longer lasting carpet.

Soil and Stain Resistance
Most carpeting today comes with some sort of stain or soiling protection. This means carpet has natural tendencies or is treated to repel dirt. This makes it easier to clean, easier to retain it’s original beauty. While important, remember design of your carpet is more important than stain resistance. If you build a carpet well from the beginning, it is more likely to retain its quality throughout its life.

External Factors
While carpet production is the first level of defense in creating high quality flooring, it also depends on its use. It is essential to choose a carpet style that matches the level of foot traffic expected in each area of your home. Bedrooms are different from living areas. And hallways and stairways are some of the highest abused areas of your home. While there isn’t a “one size fits all” choice that will give you everything you need, the more you know, the more durability you can anticipate.

Discover everything you need to know about today’s carpet by stopping by today.

Carpet
December 15, 2015

Carpet: Understanding Normal Wear

Longevity. If you own your home, longevity is a word you would like to hear with every home maintenance project you take on.

When it comes time to purchasing new carpet, you’ll find a variety of carpet choices come with claims of “long wearing.” But what does that mean? Though you know in your mind that long wearing has to have an ending date, it’s nice to know your carpet selection should offer a reasonable amount of protection against everyday abuse.

You purchase it. You install it. You live with it. And shortly thereafter it begins looking like you’ve had wild parties on a nightly basis rather than a normal family doing normal things.

So what is normal wear for carpeting? What can you expect if you purchase new carpet today?

First, understand that carpet manufacturers create and update their carpeting all the time. Technology changes giving them more advanced products, greater options than ever before. With synthetic fibers, many of these products simply will not wear out. Yet never wearing out doesn’t mean it will always retain the fresh look and feel you desire for your home. Wearing out is not the same thing as looking good. And in many cases manufacturer’s warranties focus in on the science behind the product, not the looks.

Which means it comes down to your lifestyle.

Carpet lifespan isn’t a cut and dry number. It depends on the style of carpet, who lives in your home, and what you do on a daily basis.

If you live alone, your carpet won’t see the same amount of wear as a family with several kids and pets. A rental property will see different levels of abuse than what a homeowner dishes out. In general, expect carpet to last three to seven years.

In all cases, the more maintenance you give it, the longer it will last. Vacuuming is a necessity. Routine cleaning will also help, especially in high traffic areas.

While carpets won’t last a lifetime, they can last as little or as long as you choose. Treat your carpet well, clean it regularly, and you’ll enjoy it for the long term.

Carpet
December 6, 2015

Repair or Replace Your Carpet: What Should You Do

Some home maintenance items take on more expense than others. When it comes to your flooring, it can be one of the most expensive projects you take on.

The life span of carpet is anywhere from ten to twenty years, depending on the style and maintenance schedule. And while regular vacuuming, cleaning, and the occasional repair can extend the life, there are a few factors to keep in mind when debating whether it’s time to repair or replace.

Start with the life span
How old is your carpet? If your carpet has little life left, repairing it could be a waste of money. A ten year old carpet in a high traffic area, for instance, can actually cause more damage if you attempt to stretch it. Truly look at the condition of your carpet, and use how old it is to judge how much life is left. If replacing is in the near future, maintain it as best you can without investing in a lot of repair work now.

Appearance
Is your carpeting showing its age? Is the appearance anything but picturesque? In many cases you can assess possibilities by knowing your carpet. Will a thorough cleaning help remove stains and make it attractive once again? Is it threadbare and worn? Is it fixable? Is there age left in your carpeting? If there are possibilities, then simple repairs may be just the thing.

Future wear
How much abuse does your carpeting take daily? Do you have kids and pets that constantly use it? Will situations change in the near future? In some cases it may be better to wait until the heaviest of abusers change their patterns and give your carpeting more opportunity for looking good. If you’re adult children will be moving out into their new home soon, that may be a reason to wait, and a reason to celebrate with new carpeting once your home is your own once again.

Cost
If your budget allows for new carpeting, it may be just the thing to provide your home with a new look and feel. Carpeting is a great way to create a fresh, new look. Change up the look with a new style or color. It’s one of the easiest ways to remodel your home and give your décor a boost.

Longevity
Are you planning a move soon? Choose repair or replace according to the saleability of your home. New homeowners love to move into turnkey places where everything is up to date and requires little maintenance to move in and start living. If they know they have to replace carpeting, it decreases the value of your home. New carpet can not only add value, it can be the selling point that makes them say yes to your home over a similar one down the street.

Whether you install it yourself, or hire a professional to replace it for you, stop by to see the latest carpeting options. You’ll love the looks.

Carpet, Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
October 14, 2015

Carpet or Wood? What Should You Do With The Stairs

Hardwood floors are the flooring of choice in many homes throughout the Denver Metro region. Yet as much as we love hardwood in our living space, carpeting remains a top choice for the bedrooms to provide warmth and comfort.

What’s the best way to connect the two? Should you carpet your stairs … or use hardwood instead?

There are many pros and cons to both decisions; there is a different answer for everyone.

Carpeted vs Wooden Stairs

Stairway safety: carpet is safer for children and the elderly

Wood stairs can be slippery and dangerous especially when liquid is present. Likewise, hardwood stairs make for hard landings if someone does slip, and can cause more accidents and injuries than carpeting. In homes with elderly or small children, carpeting may be a safer choice to avoid slipping and falls.

Cleaning wood vs cleaning carpet

Carpeting on stairs is automatically going to accumulate more dust and dirt than hardwood. Carpeted stairs require regular vacuuming and an occasional cleaning to keep them in top shape. Hardwood stairs are easy to clean and maintain with a broom and a mop.

Noise: wood is louder than carpet

Carpets insulate against noise. Hardwoods tend to produce more noise, especially if a person moves around your house with shoes on their feet. You will hear the difference between the two especially on the stairs. If you have a family that moves around the house at different times of the day, or kids that run around and play on different levels, carpeting may be a better choice to muffle the sounds.

Damage: carpet is good if it’s permanent

Installing carpet on your stairs requires the use of wires, industrial staples, or adhesive glue that can cause permanent damage. If you decide to remove carpet in the future and move back to wood stairs, it may require refinishing each step to remove the damage.

Flooring cost: wood costs more upfront, capret needs replacing periodically

Quality carpet can be expensive depending on your final selection. Installations also take time. If you replace carpeting regularly, it can add up to a larger overall cost that leaving your stairway with wood.

Ultimately the choice should come down to the way you live and the look you prefer. The great thing about home improvement is there is always the opportunity to change and refinish later. If the right choice is carpeting for while the kids are little, you can always refinish them into a more elegant wood stair down the road. The key is in creating the right living arrangements for how you live today.

About Pro Flooring Brokers

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.

Carpet, Flooring
August 25, 2015

4 Myths About Carpeted Flooring

I love watching the HGTV shows. Some of the design ideas you can gain from 30 minutes of television are simply amazing.

But I’ve noticed one thing on virtually every show I watch about redesign and remodeling … people hate carpeting. It’s a common trend throughout these shows.

Yet I always have to ask why? I love hardwood flooring and porcelain tiles as much as the next homeowner. But in some rooms in your home, you simply can’t beat carpeting.

A lot of myths are floating around about carpeting. Do you believe any of these?

Myth #1 Carpeting is poorly manufactured

When most people think of carpeting, they picture the indoor/outdoor carpet from their elementary school days, or the buckling, fraying, stained carpet that was in their very first apartment. Yuck. Like any other product sold on the marketplace today, carpeting has undergone a lot of changes over the years. And today, some of the leading names in the business offer some of the most luxurious carpeting in the world. You will find innovative patterns, the highest quality around, and in some cases handmade, original works of art created by true artisans. Today’s carpeting can add value to your home.

Myth #2 Carpeting is unattractive

Yes, carpeting can be unattractive when you choose a lowgrade quality carpet sample, install it with seams in incorrect places, and leave it alone and unmaintained for years at a time. The stains, ripples and tears can leave a lasting impression (even as you move on to house number two and house number three). Yet with the carpeting in today’s marketplace, the range of options is truly limited only by your imagination. You can get just about any color or pattern you desire.

Myth #3 Carpeting is unhealthy

There’s a big myth around what is harbored within your carpet fibers. Yet in reality, carpeting can be a good thing if you know what to look for. Many people today are worried about VOCs, which can release chemicals into the air of your home. Laminates, tiles and even subflooring and glues can have a world of toxic chemicals in them if you don’t pay attention to the brand and type you are purchasing. While at the same time, if you choose a natural fiber carpet, you can introduce a clean and healthy option into your home. It also depends on the care you give your carpet. Avoid wearing shoes and tracking in dirt and debris from the outside. Vacuum with a quality vacuum, and clean regularly with a green carpet cleaner, and you’ll have a flooring choice that beats out many the other options.

Myth #4 Carpeting is high maintenance

People love the “sweep and go” mentality of a wood or tile floor. Which is why many people shun the concept of carpeting; its too high maintenance, right? With today’s technology, many different products have been introduced into carpets, making them soft and luxurious, while at the same time strong and easy to maintain. They can be stain resistant, yet still provide a beautiful look and feel. With simple and routine vacuuming, and an occasional deep clean, your carpets can retain their beauty for years.

Do you love the carpeting in your home?

Carpet, Flooring
July 22, 2015

The Importance Of Good Padding With New Carpet

Carpet padding isn’t an afterthought; in fact, it should be considered in the same manner as when you choose your carpets. After all, the padding is what sets the stage for how well your carpeting will perform over the years. Carpet padding should be soft enough for comfort, yet sturdy enough to support the traffic that crosses over it each day.

When purchasing and installing new carpet, start by checking the manufacturer’s specifications regarding pad thickness. If you choose one that is too thick or thin, it can cause the carpet to wrinkle, buckle, and wear before its time. And in some cases, choosing a padding that doesn’t meet the manufacturer’s specifications can null and void the warranty.

Although each manufacturer will provide its own specifications, for most residential carpets, the pad should be between ¼ to 7/16 inch thick and should have a density in the 8 to 8 pound per cubic foot range. A thinner loop cut pile carpet will require a more stable pad than a thicker, plusher carpet built for warmth.

Carpet padding comes in a variety of styles, including felt, urethane, rubber, as well as memory foam. While padding comes with its own performance ratings with some far outlasting others, your main focus should be on complimenting your carpet, not choosing solely for longevity. Some padding comes with a lifetime warranty and will extend your carpets life to the fullest, providing you maintain it according to guidelines.

Keep in mind that you should never lay a new carpet over an old pad. In most cases a pad has provided its useful life with the old carpeting, and because all carpets require different levels of support, its rare that your new carpet requires the same provision.

If you are laying new carpet in your home to combat health or allergy issues, also keep in mind that both padding and carpeting can come with green label certification. Look for both with low levels of volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) and choose the lowest possible.

Have additional questions about padding?

Carpet, Flooring
May 27, 2015

Is Berber Carpet Still In Style?

“I’ve had Berber carpeting before and love everything about it. I’m redoing the floors in my current home and would love to install Berber carpet, but I’m worried about having my home look out of date. I may be selling it in the next year and want something that will hold its value, not take it away. Is Berber carpet still in style?”

Berber carpet is one of those timeless products where its beauty and functionality will allow it to always be in style. Once people have lived with Berber carpeting, they almost always consider it again.

Berber carpets have many advantages:

Durability – Very few carpets can compare to the durability of Berber carpets. Berber carpets can be made from different fibers, which can influence its overall durability factor. Make sure you determine the best fiber for your room choice and the amount of traffic it will receive.

Stain resistance – Berber carpet is excellent in resisting spills, keeping them on the surface for you to blot away. Certain fibers will absorb oil stains, so it is important to remove all spills immediately, and treat them appropriately.

Versatile – Berber carpeting comes in a variety of unique designs and color schemes, which gives it a great ability to adapt to a variety of interior designs. Berber is one choice that looks good in the beginning and keeps looking great for years to come.

Comfort and warmth – Berber’s looped design provides the right amount of cushion, perfect for walking, standing and playing on. Its tight weave will also serve to keep your room warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Economical – Berber carpets offer a great value for your home. While Berber can be more expensive than many carpets on the market today, when you factor in their wearability and longevity, nothing can beat the look and feel of Berber. It can hold its value well in the event you choose to sell your home in the future.