Carpet Archives - Page 4 of 15

Carpet
September 4, 2021

Nylon or Polyester Carpet – Which Is Best For Your Home

Choosing new flooring for your home is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Choose the wrong material, and you’ll regret it shortly after installation.

But unlike other home purchases, flooring isn’t something you can replace easily. It’s expensive. It’s difficult to do – moving your furniture once is hard enough. Twice? You’ll definitely think twice before agreeing to that move.

If you’ve made the decision to replace existing flooring with carpet, you’re going to love the results. Carpet still is the most popular flooring choice, with nearly fifty percent of all sales in the flooring industry in the carpet niche. But even once you decide on carpet, you have more decisions to make. Because what carpet material you choose will determine how well it handles over time.

Two of the most common carpet materials are nylon and polyester. Want to know which is the right choice for you?

Nylon carpet

Nylon is the most popular synthetic fiber used in the carpet industry today. Nearly half of all carpet sold is created using nylon. It’s wildly popular in residential settings, and crosses over into commercial settings too.

Why do people love nylon? After generations of improvements, nylon is one of the most durable, easy to care for carpet materials you can select. Because of its popularity, it also comes in many designs, patterns, and colors. No matter what you have in mind for your flooring design, you’ll find it with nylon carpet.

Nylon is also one of the most wear-resistant plastics available. That means it’s great in high traffic areas, and won’t show wear and tear like other carpet choices.

Want stain resistance? Because of nylon’s popularity, it’s also where manufacturers have focused on creating the greatest technology to fight stains. Nylon carpet can help fight off all your family can dish out. Just be aware that nylon is still made of fibers, and certain products can and will penetrate into the fibers, staining over time. Kool-Aid, sodas, wine, tea, coffee – all of these may stain your carpet permanently. The faster you clean up the mess, the greater chance you have of making it disappear. Once it settles in, it may be there for life.

Fortunately, manufacturers of nylon carpet apply a variety of protectors to make the fibers more stain-resistant and able to fight off tough dirt and grime. Depending on the carpet, you may have to apply additional protectors over time.

Polyester carpet

Currently, polyester carpet makes up about 25 percent of the carpet market. It’s come a long way since it was first introduced into the marketplace.

While polyester is considered to be slightly less durable than nylon, it’s come a long way since being introduced. Depending on the situation, polyester can be a good choice for your home.

Traditionally, polyester was the softest choice to the touch. If you want a luxurious feel, you can’t beat polyester. Nylon has made some catchup in this department, but go with polyester if softness is your focus.

Polyester is also considered to be more environmentally friendly. But there’s a caveat to that.

Polyester is made from corn, or from recycled materials such as plastic bottles. That makes it seem like polyester is the logical choice if you care about the environment. But to be truly eco-friendly, you also have to consider lifespan. And nylon is easier recycled at the end of life than its counterpart polyester. The choice is yours; you can speak to a flooring representative to learn more about each product before you buy.

Maybe one of the greatest reasons homeowners lean towards polyester is the cost. In most cases, you’ll find your biggest bargains in polyester carpet. If you’re looking to upgrade a room for a short time frame – maybe for selling your home – polyester may be the way to go. If you’re upgrading a rental, polyester can make a fantastic choice.

Polyester carpet is typically dyed to create different colors and patterns. Polyester uses a solution dyeing method that is quite stain-resistant. Polyester fibers are also hydrophobic, meaning it’ll be good at repelling liquid as well. Like nylon, polyester is further treated with stain resisting protectors, making it suitable for a variety of commercial applications.

Still confused on which makes the better choice for your situation? Let’s look at the pros and cons in a straightforward way.

Nylon carpet

Pros:

It’s perfectly suited for high traffic areas
It has high stain resistant qualities
It’s easy to clean
It’s pet friendly
It’s easy to maintain
It fights mildew and mold
It fights allergic reactions

Cons:

It’s the most expensive synthetic carpet on the market
It will produce static electricity
It’s not as soft as other carpets

Polyester carpet

Pros:

It’s one of the most economical fibers on the market
It has low static electricity
It’s considered more eco-friendly than other options
It has a soft, luxurious texture
It absorbs less water
It’s resistant to biological growth
It’s pet friendly

Cons:

It’s not as stain-resistant to oily spills
It’s sensitive to direct sunlight, and will fade over time

What’s the best choice for you?

Ultimately, flooring is all about giving you a base that best suits your needs.

Both nylon and polyester are synthetic fibers that make good additions to your home or commercial setting. If you’re looking for inexpensive flooring, either will suit your needs just fine.

Thinking of adding carpet to your basement? Both can be a good choice, thanks to the fact that both are resistant to water. However, if you do place carpet in the basement, spend time considering moisture barrier padding too. Talk to a flooring representative for more information.

Both nylon and polyester carpet can make a great addition to your home. It’s about choosing the right product to suit your needs.

What other questions do you have about choosing carpet for your home?

Carpet, Flooring
August 14, 2021

What’s The Difference Between Rugs and Carpet?

Depending on the community you grew up in, you might use the terms carpet and rug interchangeably.

If you look up the words in the Oxford dictionary, rug is defined: a floor covering of thick woven material or animal skin, typically not extending over the entire floor.

Look up the word carpet, and it’s defined as: a floor or stair covering made from thick woven fabric, typically shaped to fit a particular room.

For many in the flooring and design business, the differences come from moveability. Rugs can be picked up and moved around freely. Carpet is tacked down and is meant to stay in place within a particular room.

The term rug seems to have a Scandinavian origin. The word was first used somewhere around the 15th century, and typically described a small floor covering no longer than six and a half feet. One of their most tell-tale characteristics includes being bound at the edges. It is also free to move around for transportation and maintenance.

The term carpet comes from Latin, being used the first time in English around the 13th century. Its translation means “coarse cloth” or “tablecloth”, where it remained until the 15th century when it moved permanently to being used as a floor covering. Carpets are usually characterized by their size, the fact that they can be stretched into place, and once installed, are fixed in one place.

Which one is best for you?

The pros and cons of rugs

When you think of home design as modern, artistic, with a touch of personality, rugs automatically pop into the picture. That’s because the sky’s the limit when it comes to what is possible with rug design.

Because they are smaller in size, artists can be more creative. Bright colors, vivid patterns, and even different shapes can all play into your decor. Instead of being the base for a room design, rugs can actually be a part of the decor.

Since they are smaller in size, they are easier to clean and maintain. Spilling red wine may still cause a problem, but in general, the smaller size makes it easier to react quickly. If it’s washable, you can throw it into the wash. You can pick it up and bring it to a professional cleaner where they can work on the stain.

This isn’t good just for the occasional party stain. It’s good for deep cleaning too. Rugs sit on the floor, which means they’re more prone to picking up things like dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and other contaminants your family tracks in. Whatever enters usually settles on the floor. That can include dirt, grime, even mildew over time. With a rug, you have the ability to move it around and clean it in the best way suitable for your needs.

Want even more flexibility with your decor? Prefer to change out the look and feel based on seasons or holidays? Rugs make it easy. Move a few pieces of furniture aside, lay down the new rug, and you have an entirely new look and feel inside your home! It can be a fun and inexpensive way to add variety and pizzazz to your home’s decor.

While the benefits of using rugs inside your home are many, there are a few downsides as well.

Because rugs aren’t tacked into place, they are more likely to be a tripping hazard. This is where quality comes into play. It can also be a problem for the elderly, or for people with mobility issues.

You’ll never get the same look you can achieve with wall to wall carpet. If you want softness and warmth, carpet can’t be beaten.

Rugs are also better suited for colors and patterns. Why get a rug with neutral tones … leave that for carpet.

The pros and cons of carpet

The great news with carpet is it looks good in many rooms throughout your home. Want warmth in the bedroom? Look no further than carpet. Want softness in a kid’s playroom? Carpet is the perfect choice.

Homeowners turn to carpet for many reasons. Here are just a few.

First up, carpet is a good floor covering when you have small imperfections with your subfloor. Have a subfloor that isn’t quite level? Looking to hide imperfections? Carpet maybe your choice. That’s because it’s secured to the floor with glue, cement, or tacking, with thick padding located underneath. This padding is designed to increase longevity, provide softness, and provide support as you walk across. Slight changes in the subfloor won’t be noticed with this flexible material.

Carpet also has an ability to tie the look and feel of your rooms together. It can create unity throughout your home as one solid color flows from room to room. And because homeowners tend to stick with more neutral colors, it can be a good base for whatever personality you want to instill into the space. Whatever your color theme, whatever your personal color palette, today’s carpet manufacturers have designed something you’re sure to fall in love with.

Carpeting also provides warmth to your home. If you’ve ever stepped on cold tile on a winter morning, you’ll appreciate being able to dig your toes into the warmth of carpet fibers. It also has the ability to hold warmth closer to feet level, meaning you’ll be more comfortable overall.

Want noise reduction? Carpet provides that too. That can be especially important in multilevel homes where you spend a lot of time on all levels. Hard surfaces can cause echoing, meaning the noise can filter to all levels. With small children who sleep at various hours, or adults that work night hours, this can impact your daily behavior.

Carpet isn’t without a few cons. One of the biggest issues is the ability to clean it. You can’t pick it up and throw it into the washer. That means when spills occur, acting quickly will be your best course of action. Carpet on the floors may alter your behavior. You’ll have to vacuum and clean it more often. It may even cause you to restrict certain activities from taking place – outside parties instead of inside gatherings.

If you want natural products, and have a concern for eco-friendly choices, you’ll have to pay attention to the fibers you select for your carpet. Off-gassing can be a concern with synthetic materials. Work with a flooring dealer if you’re looking for a safe, natural carpet.

Thinking of changing up your flooring? Will you add a new rug, or is new carpet more your style? Either way, both give you creative ways to add color, style, and personality to your home. In the end, whichever you choose, you’ll love the results.

Carpet
August 10, 2021

Pros and Cons of Wool Carpet

Whether you’re building a new house, or remodeling one you’ve lived in for years, the best place to start is from the ground up.

Flooring is the starting point for most interior projects. Without a good base, your room won’t function as you had hoped. Without the proper flooring in place, you may be disappointed with the results.

For many homeowners, carpet is the most logical choice. While people across the Front Range prefer hardwood for living spaces, carpet is still one of the leading flooring choices for other rooms throughout the home. Carpet still accounts for over 48 percent of the flooring market, making it a great choice for your needs.

If you’ve decided to purchase carpet, the first choice you’ll make is type. A quick search brings up many options: acrylic, nylon, polyester, wool. If wool carpet has shot to the top of your list, congratulations. It’s a great choice for people looking for green options, wanting a natural flooring choice, and are truly looking to invest in luxury carpet.

If you’re ready to dive a little deeper and learn more about wool carpet, let’s look at the reasons to keep this natural material at the top of your list.

What are the advantages of wool carpet?

Durability

Before you consider wool as an option, think about all the things you demand from carpet. Chances are durability tops the list.

Once installed, we want it to last for a long time, and to look good in the process. The last thing we want is buyer’s remorse almost from the moment we install it.

Wool carpet is manufactured from short lengths of wool taken from sheep. Think of all wool goes through – it protects sheep from the heat of summer and the coldest days of winter. It’s hardy no matter what conditions sheep face out in the fields. When converted to fiber, those same factors continue forward as they are turned into fiber.

Because wool fiber has a naturally coiled structure, it maintains well over time. Synthetic fibers try to imitate it, but they can only duplicate it for so long. That’s one of the biggest reasons wool carpet can last for decades if properly cared for, while synthetic carpet has a much shorter lifespan.

Wool carpet also handles better under pressure. Have lots of heavy furniture that will sit on top? See lots of foot traffic throughout your home? Wool carpet bounces back time after time. It springs back continually, and retains its original qualities much longer.

Cleanability

One of the biggest things homeowners worry about when it comes to carpet is how easy it is to maintain. If it attracts dirt, is easily stained, and is difficult to keep clean, carpet can become an eyesore quickly.

If you’ve ever had those thoughts, push them aside if you invest in wool carpet. Sure, it will require regular maintenance. Vacuuming periodically will ensure it always looks good and stays clean. An occasional steam clean (according to manufacturer’s guidelines) will pull the deep dirt up, and ensure your carpet continually looks good.

Homeowners enjoy the lasting results of wool carpet because it holds its color well. It also fades less than with other carpet materials such as nylon. That means if it occasionally gets hit with the Colorado sunshine, you’ll have less chance of the color fading over time. That makes sense when you think about the chemical makeup of wool. It’s a protein-based molecular structure that readily accepts color and holds it well. You’ll find wool carpets in a wider range of colors and patterns, giving them the highest level of aesthetic appeal you’ll find on the market.

Environmentally friendly

The reason more homeowners turn to wool carpet than any other is because of its natural qualities. Wool is an effective insulator – sheep do well in all kinds of weather. Wool’s insulating properties will be noticeable no matter where it’s installed. In winter, it’ll hold heat closer to the floor, making you feel warmer. It also naturally absorbs water vapor from the air, which helps with moderate indoor humidity, which naturally occurs in the summer as you run your air conditioner.

Here in Colorado, that also gives you an added benefit of wool’s moisture absorption properties – it reduces static electricity. If you’re tired of feeling those static shocks in this dry climate, wool carpet may be the perfect choice for your home.

It’s also biodegradable and recyclable. That means when it’s reached the end of its lifecycle, it won’t end up as long in the landfill like other carpeting choices.

Flame-resistant

In case you need even more advantages for making wool carpeting your choice, consider it’s also naturally flame-resistant. It has a higher ignition point than other materials, which is the temperature where it combusts and burns. That makes it less of a risk factor than synthetic options. If matches, cigarettes, sparks, wood-burning, or other factors are a part of your home, this pushes wool carpet to the top of the list. You’ll often find wool carpet in commercial applications like airports and casinos because of this feature.

What are the disadvantages of wool carpet?

Sold on wool carpet? Before you sign on the dotted line, it’s important to understand the few disadvantages it has.

Cost

The biggest issue for some homeowners is cost. Wool carpet is priced according to the source of wool. Overall, that puts it at the higher end of the spectrum. It typically costs twice as much as synthetic carpet such as nylon and polyester.

Cleaning

While wool carpets have a lot of advantages for clean up, it is important to note that the messier the spill, the more it can sink into wool carpet. Oily or greasy spills can quickly penetrate the fibers, and once there, be there permanently. It’s important to jump on all spills immediately to ensure they don’t set and be there for life.

Shedding

Wool fiber tends to shed over time. Wool is woven into yarn that ultimately creates carpet pile. These short strands lie on top of the carpet, and can be easy to catch as your kids play, pets run across it, or you move heavy items back and forth. That can cause piling, which can accumulate quickly if you don’t pick it up. Luckily, a lint roller will easily remove them, but it can cause you additional work.

Is wool carpet a good investment? Yes. We consider wool carpet to be the top of the line luxury carpet you can bring into your home.

How long will a wool carpet last? When well cared for, wool carpet can last for decades.

Are those reasons enough for you to push wool carpet to the top of your list?

Carpet
July 18, 2021

Don’t Buy Carpet For Your Living Space Without Considering This

It sounds too good to be true.

All you have to do is buy the carpet, and the company will install it absolutely free. You’ll never find a better offer, they say.

Of course, once you start reading the fine print, you start seeing where they make their money.

The price they quote for carpet in the ad is the cheapest carpet made. If you “upgrade” after signing on the dotted line, you’ll pay an exorbitant price.
What they consider to be room size and what average rooms really are equate differently.
Extras start adding up quickly. You’ll pay for every “problem” found. And these problems will start adding up in price.

Nothing is ever free. You’ll always pay for it somewhere. Which is why it’s better to do your homework early, and ensure you’re working with a reputable company, which offers high-quality prices, and installs it in such a way for you to enjoy it throughout its lifespan.

What everyone wants from carpet

Quick: What’s the most important benefit you’re looking for as you select new carpet? If you’re like most people, two factors come to mind.

Durability
Beauty

Why install a flooring into your home if it doesn’t stand the test of time? It’s important to have flooring easy to maintain and keeps up with your busy lifestyle.

It’s equally important to love the carpet you install. If you hate it from day one, aren’t happy with the look and feel, compromised in any way to put functionality over beauty, you’ll never really like the way it looks in your home.

In general, we walk up to specific carpet samples because they fit our personalities. We like the color. The pattern works with the decor. It seems soft and luxurious. Looks pull you in, but it’s the durability that will push the selection over the top.

What makes a carpet durable?

Just like beauty is in the eye of the beholder, durability can often be described in a similar fashion. What’s durable to an empty nester living in an urban dwelling may not be considered durable to a family of six with two cats and a dog.

Durability is determined by starting with a few questions.

Where am I going to install the carpet?
What is the area used for?
Who uses the space regularly?
What look am I trying to achieve?

Share your answers with the sales associates you’re working with. The more they know about your demands, the more they can help you choose carpeting with a balance between durability and beauty. To help you select the right carpet that will have you loving your carpet from day one.

There are many ways to find durability.

Start by looking at the manufacturer. In some products, no-name brands aren’t a big deal. With carpet, that isn’t necessarily so. The reason certain manufacturers are well-known is that they’ve been in the industry for years. They care about the products they create, are on the cutting edge of technology, and are always looking for ways to improve their product lines.

A carpet’s durability is measured in several ways: face weight, tuft twist, and density rating. We usually suggest looking for carpet somewhere in the 34 to 40 ounce face weight range, with a tuft twist of 5 or more. The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends installing a carpet with at least a 3,600 density rating, with 5,000 or higher in high traffic areas.

I’m ready to shop. Now what?

One of the biggest reasons people fall out of love with their flooring choice is because they don’t do enough homework first. This isn’t something you’ll be able to replace easily if you hate it. For most homeowners, once a new carpet is installed, it’s something they’ll live with for years to come. That alone is reason to slow down and ask a few more questions before you start to shop.

Where will I be installing new carpet? This may seem like a moot point – you’re shopping with a room in mind for a reason – but it is something to consider before you shop. Are you looking for one room – a bedroom – or an entire home? If you’re selecting one room, it allows you to get more specific with your options. When you include several rooms, it’s important to shop with the most active room in mind. If a carpet can stand up in your family room, it’ll look good in your bedroom for years to come.

How much are you willing to spend? It’s easy to walk into a showroom and fall in love with a luxurious carpet. But when you see the price, it can impact your decision making skills, and increase the potential of buyer’s remorse. Set your budget early. Leave a little room for adjustments. And don’t forget about padding and labor costs. If you leave room in your budget for incidentals, you’ll be satisfied with your final selection before it’s ever installed.

What about longevity? People shop for a rental home differently than they do a family home. Will you be moving in a year? Or are you trying to find a carpet that will last for years to come? Knowing your choice early can help point you in the right direction of which carpet to choose.

What about fiber? Carpet is made from several different types of fiber. Depending on which you choose will impact wear, maintenance, and longevity. Options include:

Nylon – the most resilient carpet fiber, but it must be treated with a stain protector from time to time to keep it functioning well.

Polyester – this fiber is stain-resistant and soft to the touch. Plush carpet often falls in this category. However, it’s harder to maintain and won’t last as long as other options.

Olefin – an inexpensive option that resists staining, fading, and mildew. It’s a good choice for high traffic areas.

Wool – if you’re looking for a natural option, wool is an excellent choice.

What about style and color? With everything else in mind, now it’s time to pick colors, patterns, and styles that suit your personality and needs. Bring in color charts, paint samples, and pillows. When you’re down to a few selections, bring them home and see how they look in the room. Live with them for a few days and see them in different lights.

Choosing the right carpet shouldn’t be a difficult process. If you start with a bit of knowledge before you make your final decision, you’ll enjoy the process and love the results.

How can we help you select the right carpet for your needs?

Carpet
July 14, 2021

What You Should Know About Carpet Remnants

Want to save money on carpet? Have a small space that needs carpet? Maybe your solution lies with carpet remnants.

There’s a lot of myths online about what carpet remnants truly are. Some think they are defective products. Some believe they are old, outdated, and out of style.

What carpet remnants are is leftover carpet.

Carpet comes in large rolls. When customers buy a particular carpet style, technicians take from the roll in proportion to what they need. Eventually, they come to the end of the roll, and what’s left is known as a remnant.

Because a carpet dealer doesn’t want to leave this particular style out for homeowners to consider, only to be disappointed when there isn’t enough to complete their entire job, they bring it to the back warehouse where it is sold as a carpet remnant. Carpet dealers often have a variety of remnant options, if you ask. Smaller dealers may purchase them directly from carpet manufacturers to have a selection on hand.

The pros of buying carpet remnants

If you’re in the market for a carpet remnant, you’ll find two big advantages: cost and convenience.

Because dealers can’t sell smaller carpet pieces at full value, they discount the remnant left at a lower cost. It depends on the size of the remnant as to how low the discount will go.

You’ll also be able to shop today and bring your purchase home with you as soon as you complete the transaction. You won’t have the normal wait time associated with special orders, and you won’t have to wait for a staff member to make the final cut to your specification. It’s a great way to complete a DIY project quickly.

The cons of buying carpet remnants

The biggest disadvantage of shopping for carpet remnants is the lack of selection. If you’re looking for a specific style, fiber, color, or pattern, you’re going to have to visit a lot of locations to get what you’re looking for. Chances are you’re going to settle on something that doesn’t meet your specifications perfectly.

Even if you are flexible in what you’re looking for, you’ll still be limited to what is currently on hand. Depending on the size of your area, you’ll have to ensure the remnant fits your specifications and fits without piecing it together.

Some stores may be willing to further cut down a remnant based on your needs. Some will be willing to sell a portion of the remnant, while others may have a “take it as is” policy. Remnant shopping usually works best when you have a lot of flexibility with what you’re looking for.

Why people shop for remnants

People usually shop for remnants for one of a few reasons.

First, they are looking to put carpeting down in a place that is seldom used. They don’t care as much about durability as they do making the space presentable.

They may be looking to spruce up a small space for a short period of time. Maybe they’re moving soon. Maybe they like change and plan to change out the carpet frequently. Maybe it’s a rental property with plans of frequent turnover.

They may also be looking for a small amount of carpet. Less is better in this situation to avoid having to piece a section together.

Finally, remnant shopping can also bring out creativity. How about piecing different colors together for a unique look? Or slicing it up to make an area rug? If you’re nervous about adding color in a big way, piecing together remnants may give you what you’re looking for inexpensively.

What you may not know about remnants

If you work with a large enough dealer, they may house remnants based on their current inventory. They know precisely what roll it came from, understand all the details such as manufacturer, brand, and name. They have the label to share with the full details of the remnant you’re investing in.

Other smaller dealers buy remnants from a variety of places, and may not fully understand the details of the remnant. They can make an educated guess based on their time in the industry. But without the label, it’s just a guess. You’ll never fully understand what you’re buying, type of fibers, or the details about durability.

One of the biggest downsides to investing in a carpet remnant is the lack of warranty. Remnants are most often sold “as is.” That means you don’t receive a warranty on the product, and you’ll deal with any after installation defects on your own.

Warranty really is important if you’re concerned with longevity and having the carpet piece look good for an extended period. If you’re simply looking for a cheap carpet to cover your floor for a short period of time, the warranty may not be a breaking point. However, the more traffic the room receives, the longer you plan on leaving it in place, warranties can be an important part of the installation process.

Final tips for purchasing carpet remnants

If you shop for a carpet remnant, be sure you know exactly what you’re looking for. Measure, then measure again. In most cases, sales will be final, so it’s important to have exact measurements to select a piece that suits your needs.

You may not have a great selection, but if you’re looking for a neutral carpet to finalize the decor, or for something to “get by” for a short period of time, this might be the perfect way to add carpet into your home.

You can also find deals if you’re willing to extend your search. Have a special need? Talk directly with a flooring associate. They can watch for your specifications and let you know when additions make it into their warehouse. They often have the inside track to getting you exactly what you need, on your budget and schedule.

Is carpet remnant shopping for you?

Carpet, Hardwood Flooring
July 10, 2021

Carpet or Hardwood – Which Is The Better Choice For Bedrooms?

Wanting to replace the flooring throughout your home? Having trouble deciding the right flooring for each room? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. There’s an ongoing debate among homeowners as to which flooring choice is best throughout.

Living here in Colorado, you might be one of many who has jumped on the hardwood-only mindset. Coloradoans love their hardwood floors.

But does it make sense to install it throughout your home? For many people, a bedroom is their inner sanctuary, a place they retreat to for rest and relaxation. They want quiet, softness, warmth. And that’s hard to get with hardwood. Doesn’t carpet just make more sense in the bedroom settings?

Read on if you’re still in the debate.

Let’s start with hardwood

Hardwood is the flooring of choice, except for kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas where moisture is prevalent. Bedrooms are often no exception, especially if they are located right off the main living space.

And hardwood makes sense in a lot of areas in the home. The pros are hard to ignore:

Durability – hardwood is one of the most durable products on the market. When well cared for, it can last for years. And when it starts looking dull and scratched, simply sand it down and refinish it. A high quality wood floor can last for decades.

Ease of maintenance – especially with today’s technology, the surface material on your hardwood planks makes it easier than ever to care for. Use a broom or swiffer regularly to keep dirt and other particles off the surface. Vacuum weekly. A damp mop on occasion to remove any residue or spills. That’s it!

Natural surface – hardwood is one of the most natural surfaces you can install inside your home. If you care about going green and sustainability, look no further than hardwood. That also creates a hypoallergenic surface area too which can help keep sickness at bay. If you suffer allergies or asthma symptoms, hardwood flooring can be a great choice throughout your home.

Style and functionality – no matter what design personality you have, or what decor you plan on introducing into your home, hardwood is the perfect backdrop for it all. You can select hardwood flooring in all shades and colors, making it a versatile flooring choice that ages well as we move into the future.

All good reasons for installing hardwood throughout your home. But it still doesn’t answer the question: is hardwood right for the bedrooms?

Carpet in the bedrooms

Think about your bedrooms for a moment. What is the bedroom for?

A quiet place – with living rooms, family rooms, media rooms, and more, the bedroom is now a place where we retreat to for quiet time and sleep. That means unnecessary clomping across a wood floor can create heightened awareness, even anxiety as you’re moving around. Carpet muffles the sound and absorbs the noise, while adding ambiance you just can’t get with hardwood.

Warmth – here in Colorado, the temperatures can fall rapidly. Thirty degrees, twenty, ten. Even a few below zero days can leave you shivering at night. Those one in the morning trips to the bathroom can be miserable as your toes hit cold hardwood. But with plush carpet, the softness, cushion, and fibers underneath can make it just a bit easier.

Noise reduction – young children often retreat to their bedrooms for quiet playtime. But there’s nothing quiet about it if their toys consistently bounce off the hardwood. Especially in multiple story homes, you’ll notice every clunk and ping from underneath, making you wish for softness and padding of carpet to help damper the sound.

Safety – you’re more likely to be in socks in your bedroom. You’re more likely to be half asleep and not paying attention as you move around in the middle of the night. Slippery floors can be hazardous no matter what your age. Carpet provides better grip, and also a softer landing.

Do buyers prefer carpet or hardwood in bedrooms?

When you install new flooring throughout your home, often, it’s with the understanding that you’ll be placing it on the market soon. Then the question becomes: do home buyers prefer hardwood throughout, or do they still like carpet in the bedrooms?

According to real estate agents, you’ll never go wrong with hardwood. Some buyers and homeowners love hardwood enough to weave it through every room in the home.

There are others that want softness in the bedrooms. These homeowners prefer plush carpet with ample padding for softness, warmth, and creating the cozy factor inside each bedroom.

Plus, when you have a multi-level home, carpet can help muffle sound. With active bedrooms upstairs, installing padding and carpeting can act as a noise reducer, helping make the activity less noticeable from underneath.

Is carpet in bedrooms outdated?

Let’s start with your gut instinct. After reading the above advice, if you’re still worried about a house full of hardwood, if you prefer softness and warmth in the bedrooms, listen to your gut.

In 2020, carpet sales fell, thanks to stay-in-place orders and few people thinking about remodeling. But even by the end of 2020, the market was starting to rebound. Carpet is and has remained the largest flooring segment, accounting for 48.4 percent of all flooring sales.

With so many choices, you can find carpet that complements any decor, and adds richness to the surrounding area.

If you’re really not sure what to do, how about a compromise?

Add hardwood throughout. And follow it up by adding area rugs to the bedrooms. To keep your room soft, warm, and comfortable, make sure the area rug is large and covers a lot of the space inside each bedroom. Place it under the bed, and have it extend beyond the bed on all sides. You should be able to step onto it as you get out of bed. With a large bedroom, you may also wish to place smaller area rugs in critical places throughout the room. At the sides of each bed for warmth as you rise, plus in front of dressing areas, or other spots you spend time.

Carpet or hardwood – which is the right choice for your bedrooms? There really isn’t a “best” choice. It entirely depends on you.

If you need a little extra advice, stop by today. We have the answer to your questions, and can help you make a well informed decision.

Carpet
July 7, 2021

How Do You Choose Carpet Color With So Many To Choose From?

Sometimes, you feel like a kid in a candy store, with so many choices you aren’t sure which to choose.

If you’re redecorating, you may feel that sensation every time you head into a new store. What do you choose? How do you create the aesthetics you’re looking for?

When you’re working with home design, one of the first places to start is with flooring. It’s the base of your design. You’ve settled on carpet, but even after you make that decision, you still have difficult components left to choose.

How do you choose the right carpet color?

What about fiber?

Is a pattern better than a solid color?

Sometimes you walk right up to a particular style or fiber – you know what you want. But then it comes down to color.

Color can often be the most difficult decision of all. That’s because color can have a big impact on your overall design. How do you select a color from a tiny swatch and have it installed into a large space and hope it’ll look okay?

What if you choose wrong?

Are you replacing or upgrading?

A brand new design is different from upgrading something already in place. If you’re starting with a clean palette, new floors, new wall colors, new furniture, new window coverings, you can select anything you desire.

If, however, you already have certain things in place, it narrows down your choices considerably. Are you building around existing wall color? Do you have a sofa you love? Will the drapes stay in place? That gives you your starting point. This gives you something to build upon.

No matter where you are in the process, we recommend starting with a color theme. What’s your preference, greys, tans, blues, or greens? Select base colors, and build from there. Once you have that in place, then choose the color of your carpet. It’s much easier to paint walls, select a new sofa, or even add design pieces than it is adding new carpet. If you start with your base, the rest will fall into place.

What about your lifestyle?

Do you lead a quiet life, just you in your home? Are you married with kids? Do you have a dog and a cat … and add to it regularly? Do you throw wild parties with friends, or do you prefer a quiet evening at home?

Use your lifestyle to lead you to make the right choice.

Often, people think carpet color is controlled by an active lifestyle, but other things come into play. Fibers can play a big role in how easy clean up will be. Do you want stain resistance? Pay attention to durability as well as how easy it cleans.

Yet no matter how much stain resistance is in place, carpet colors like white, light grey or beige, or any light neutral color will be more difficult to keep clean. Coupling that with durability, and lifestyle is more important than ever when finalizing your decisions.

In highly active areas, we often suggest darker neutrals, fibers with various flecks and shades, or patterns that well wear and hide small problems. If you move towards patterns with multiple shades of color, it will be less noticeable when accidents happen.

What about neutral colors?

We’ve mentioned selecting neutral carpet color several times for a reason. While trends come and go, neutral carpet colors tend to stick around. Walk into a home with a bright color carpet – orange, green, red. You’ll notice it. It can also date it, depending on the color. But if you walk into a home with a well placed neutral carpet, it’s the canvas for the home’s design. You notice the aesthetics of the decor, not follow your eyes to the floor.

Greys, beiges, browns, and even moving into shades of blue are considered to be neutral carpet fibers. If you can blend different decor into the room, without countering the effects of the carpet, it’ll stand the test of time.

Start with your budget in mind

Walking into a flooring dealer and seeing aisles of carpet can be a daunting experience. Before you walk down the aisles, finding samples you lean towards, talk with an associate first. Give them an idea of your project. Clue them into your budget. Then ask where your money will be well spent. They can lead you to manufacturers and products that suit your needs well.

This eliminates the potential of falling in love with a carpet way outside of your budget. It also gives you a chance to see carpet samples specifically made for your lifestyle, and will serve you well.

Then you can start sorting samples into different categories. Do you like patterns? Do you like specific textures or fibers? Do some samples draw you in, while others say: no way?

When you’re first starting out, pull what pleases you. What can you envision in your own home? Quickly you’ll start to see patterns in your approach. When several samples are laid out together, you’ll also find some stay in your maybe column, while others instantly seem out of place.

That’s the point of this exercise. When you see several potentials together, you’ll lean towards some over others. When you’ve narrowed it down to a few final selections, it’s time to get a few flooring samples and live with them for a bit. View them in a different light. See them next to the color of your walls. Compare them to the fabric of your sofa, chairs, and drapery. One will quickly pull away from the pack, and you’ll know which will serve you best.

Choosing carpet color wisely

The color of your carpet sets the stage for the aesthetics of your home. It’s not something you should select in a day.

Instead, consider your options wisely. Look at design websites. Pay attention to trends. Consider your own lifestyle. And after careful consideration, choose the one that suits you best.

You’ll love your carpet for years to come.

Carpet
July 3, 2021

For The Love of Berber Carpet – Here’s What You Need To Know

There’s carpet. And then there’s Berber carpet. If you’ve ever heard someone talk about Berber, you might assume it’s in a class of its own.

You’d be correct.

If you trace Berber back in history, you’ll find that Berber comes from native North Africa. Thousands of years ago, these native “Berbers” had a unique weave they used when handcrafting textiles. This weave created multi-colored flecks and loops or knots of various sizes. This was the original Berber weave used in the rugs they produced.

Today, this is one of the defining features of Berber carpet. It consists of looped construction where the loops are sewn or tufted into the carpet’s backing. They are crafted into a rugged looped pile, though they can range in size from tight to loose. You’ll find Berber carpet created from one of three fibers:

Olefin
Nylon
Wool

What fiber you choose will ultimately determine the price you pay, the carpet’s durability, and stain resistance over time. Olefin may be the most common fiber found in Berber, but you’ll often find blends between the three as well.

Olefin is popular because it’s resistant to moisture and mildew. Berber is often used in busy places such as the family room or basement, which gives it an added bonus of standing up to all your family can dish out. It looks and feels like wool carpet, but is a more cost-effective option. It’s colorfast, meaning the fibers are dyed before the carpet is made. It can fade in direct sunlight.

Nylon is one of the most common fibers used in the carpet industry because it’s strong and easy to clean. It’s also non-allergenic, and both soil and mildew-resistant. It’s a great choice for high-traffic areas. Keep in mind that nylon can be prone to static, and piles easily. If you’re setting up a home office, it’s something to consider before installing.

Wool may be the hardest to find, but it does create a sophisticated look. Many homeowners search it out because it’s an environmentally friendly option. It’s naturally hypoallergenic, non-toxic, easy to clean, and has natural stain resistance. It will also be the most expensive option.

Why do people love Berber carpet so much? Glad you asked. There are many benefits that will move Berber high up on your list.

The advantages and disadvantages of Berber carpet

The unique knotted weave of Berber carpet can be a distinct advantage in durability. Its unique look is also something homeowners often search out. If you’re thinking about installing Berber in your home, here are a few reasons why it’s a great choice.

Durability

If you want a durable carpet, you won’t have to think twice about installing Berber. That’s why you’ll see Berber in a lot of commercial applications. The main reason for durability is that the fibers are woven directly into the backing rather than having exposed ends. Berber will never unravel because it won’t leave the ends exposed.

However, what gives it its unique texture can also put it at risk. If you’re active on Berber, drag furniture across, or somehow catch the loop, it can tear away from the backing, leaving a snag in its place. This can be a problem if you have active pets that love to run and play. You should also ensure a high-quality vacuum that won’t catch the fibers as it performs.

Stain resistance

While stain resistance isn’t necessarily built into Berber, and is impacted more by the fiber material you select, it is worth mentioning that Berber’s tight weave does bring stain resistance to another level. Instead of settling into the fibers, potential stains sit on top longer, allowing you to fully clean the area before it settles in.

The drawback comes if you don’t know the spill occurs. Once it settles into the tight weave, it can be more difficult to remove. Be conscious of your weekly cleaning habits, clean spills immediately, and you’ll love your Berber carpets for years to come.

Cost

Because Berber carpet is more in demand today than ever before, you’ll find prices all over the board. Set your budget before you come in, and we’ll easily be able to direct you to product lines that meet your criteria.

Just be aware that some Berber carpets require special carpet pads to perform well over time. Be sure to consider that as you’re making your final decision.

Does it pay to look for brand names you recognize?

Occasionally you’ll find flyers and ads come into your home offering you “good” deals. They often tout Berber carpet because it’s a popular choice.

What they fail to mention is who created the Berber carpet. By using a recognizable brand name – Stainmaster, Shaw, just to name a few – you’re assured all that comes from working with a reputable brand. Likewise, by working with a reputable dealer, you’re assured the installation process will move smoothly from beginning to end.

Without a brand name, you may be impacted by products that don’t come with warranties, or installation processes that don’t stand the test of time. If your carpet pulls away, buckles, or snags from the beginning, without recourse, you’ll be left contemplating full replacement in a very short time frame.

How do Berber carpets compare to other types?

If you’ve researched carpets, you know they are often lumped into several categories to make it easier to understand and shop for.

Berber is known for its durability and functionality. Its unique look gives it away. But if you’re still not sure if it’s right for you, here’s how it compares to several other popular categories.

Berber or plush carpet? Plush carpet is soft and luxurious. If you want to dig your toes into softness, this might be the way to go. It’s a great carpet to lie on, snuggle on, and create a warm feeling. It will show footprints easier, and won’t last as long as other choices. If you have a busy household with kids and pets, Berber is the better choice.

Berber or frieze carpet? Friese provides a looser or shaggy appearance, while Berber provides the tight weave. It tends to be a bit softer, and is excellent at hiding foot traffic. It is a cut pile carpet, so that it won’t wear as well over time.

Berber or saxony carpet? Saxony is known for its softness. It’s a great choice in the bedrooms, where warmth and luxury are at the top of the list. But it’s not known for durability. In high traffic situations, you’ll be replacing saxony carpets more frequently than Berber.

What’s the right choice for you?

Many homeowners love Berber carpet. It’s a durable option for every room in your home.

If you’re ready to consider installing Berber, stop by today and see your many options.

Carpet
May 18, 2021

The Benefits of Carpeting Your Home

With so many different flooring materials available to you, sometimes it can be difficult making a choice.

Maybe you’ve had your heart set on a specific floor covering – carpet, for example – but after even a small amount of research, doubt creeps in. The world seems to revolve around hardwood flooring today. But that’s not what you’re really in the market for. You want carpet. But should you listen to your gut?

Yes.

Carpet is still an excellent choice for installing it throughout your home. The global carpet market stood at $61.9 billion in 2020, and is expected to increase to $73.9 billion by 2025. With that level of increase, carpet isn’t about to dwindle out of the marketplace.

And when you look back through time, you’ll find that throughout history, we’ve brought forms of carpeting into our homes. There is evidence from thousands of years ago that animal furs and hides, as well as weavings from sheep wool and other fibers were made into rugs and placed throughout the home for warmth and aesthetics.

Is it right for you? Consider the benefits.

The benefits of installing carpet

For most of us, we’ve grown up with a variety of different flooring covers installed inside our homes. Vinyl, tile, wood, carpet – these materials are all good inclusions depending on what room they are installed in. Yet carpet brings out a few traits you don’t find as readily as with other flooring materials.

Comfort

One of the biggest reasons people settle on carpet is because of its comfort. Have you ever stood on a hard surface – tile, concrete, or even wood – for a length of time, only to find your joints and back hurt? You won’t find that with carpet because of the padding beneath your feet.

Get down on the ground. Sit. Lie down. Play a game with the kids, or build a house out of Legos and blocks. You’ll never tire of moving around on the softness of carpet.

Depending on what fibers you select, it can also feel soft to the touch. Run your fingers over it and it makes your home feel a little cozier. It can also make you relax when you dig your ties into it at the end of the day.

Warmth

Have you ever entered a room with hardwood or tile floors on the coldest day of winter? Feels chilly, no matter how much your furnace runs.

That changes when you bring carpet into the room. That’s because carpet has a higher insulation value than other flooring choices. You also install carpet over padding, which has its own insulation qualities. When your furnace turns on and blows warm air into the room, some of that absorbs into the carpet, keeping the heat near your feet longer than other materials. Not only will that make you warmer, but it will also show up as a savings on your monthly energy bill. A win/win for every situation.

Noise

Try and sneak into a room with hardwood or tile floors. You hear every move you make, click-clicking across the floor. And because it’s a hard surface area, the noise carries, bounces around the room, echoing throughout the house.

Carpet fibers absorb the noise, and hold it close to the surface area. This can be a big deal if you have small kids who nap during the day, or have a family member who works odd hours. You’ll find carpet is one of the quietest flooring choices you can install.

Safety

Drop a little liquid on certain flooring materials, and it could be a slip-sliding experience. If you’ve ever walked down stairs made of a hard surface material, you may have also noticed it’s a little more difficult to gain traction; it’s easier to have your foot slide from the step.

Carpet gives you a soft landing if you do fall, as well as provides a surface area that’s easier to navigate, especially on stairs. Properly carpeted stairs increase safety in homes where mobility is an issue. If you do select carpet, be sure to talk with one of our sales associates about installing the right carpet. Ideally, it should provide durability without being too thick, or it moves back into a risk hazard for people navigating the stairs.

Cost

If you’ve decided to install carpet, the first thing you’ll notice is the vast array of choices. If you want to keep costs low, you can do so easily by installing carpet. It’s one of the most budget-friendly flooring options on the market today.

https://pro-flooring.com/flipping-a-house-install-this-flooring/

Many hard flooring choices require special preparation before the material can be laid into place. Not so. Carpet can be rolled into place over a variety of subfloor options. If there is a slight problem – a floor you just can’t get even – that’s not a problem. This can save you a great deal of cost in labor.

Can you move up and get plush, expensive carpet that’s luxurious to the touch? You bet. But if you’re trying to stay on the economical side, carpet is often the one flooring choice that makes sense.

Style

We’ve alluded to it numerous times in the other benefit categories, but with carpet, style is only held back by your imagination. You’ll find carpet selections in every color of the rainbow. And if you’re looking for something special, possibly for your commercial location, you can get custom orders that make anything possible.

You can go with shag or short fibers, patterns, or Berber. Stick with a solid color, or have a variety of colors woven into a pattern. Stick with one color, or use different colors depending on your room. Even carpet tiles can be a playful way to make any room pop with a bit of pizzazz.

Which carpet is best for your home?

That’s the fun part. When you decide carpet is the right choice for your home, you’ll love the possibilities.

Come in and shop around. Look at your options. Select a few choices and bring samples home. Live with them a few days before making your choice.

That’s the best way to choose the right carpet for your home.

Carpet, Hardwood Flooring
March 10, 2021

Make This The Year You Install Carpet Runners and Area Rugs

Imagine a home here in Colorado without hardwood. Hard to do, isn’t it? That’s because hardwood flooring’s classic good looks blend in with a Rocky Mountain lifestyle.

Statistics show that sales of hardwood continues to remain steady. Especially for main living spaces, hardwood is the flooring of choice. As you move into bedrooms and other more personal living spaces, homeowners split between hardwood and carpet. Carpet adds softness and warmth that is critical in a bedroom, especially on a frosty, winter morning.

Yet no matter where you’ve installed hardwood flooring, there is still a demand for softness, durability, and even a way to add a pop of color to a room. Because of that, carpet runners and area rugs continue to be popular choices.

What are carpet runners and area rugs? What’s the perfect size? What should you look for before you settle on a choice? Read on for more.

What are carpet runners?

A carpet runner is designed to sit on top of your hardwood, covering your steps. Unlike wall to wall carpet, which covers the entire area from corner to corner, carpet runners cover most of the area while leaving hardwood on either side. They are bound on the sides to create a finished look.

Carpet runners are popular in homes with hardwood stairs for two reasons.

1. They make stairs safer. Hardwood flooring has the ability to be slippery, especially when you’re wearing socks. Imagine your kids flying down the stairs for breakfast, hitting a step wrong, and falling down the stairs. That’s not a good situation for anyone, but especially so if you have small kids or elderly that might be seriously injured in a fall. Carpet runners give your stairs the needed traction to keep them safe.

2. They add a decorative element to your home. While hardwood stairs can be a beautiful addition to any home, there’s just something special about adding a splash of color to a room. Luckily, you can find carpet runners in any style, color, or pattern you desire.

What to consider when selecting a carpet runner

While color and pattern are two obvious things you’ll look at as you shop, there are several other things to consider before making your final selection.

You’ll find runners available in different widths. Which is right for your needs? Start by considering the width of your stairs. For narrower, 3-feet wide staircases, we suggest choosing a carpet runner 27 inches in width. This will provide ample coverage to the stairs, look good and provide pleasing aesthetics, without going too narrow or overpowering the space. For wider staircases, you can move to a wider runner. For stairs 4 to 5 feet in width, consider a runner up to three feet in width. It will provide full coverage for safety, while leaving enough hardwood on the sides to create natural beauty. Of course, the final selection should be based on your tastes and needs. Have something in mind? Pin it on your Pinterest board, and bring it in. We can customize your carpet runner and create any look you desire.

We’ll also mention patterns for your consideration. Depending on your decor, you may want to add a pop of color to your home and select a carpet runner with a pattern. Be aware that patterns can be a challenge to match up as they wind up your stairs. With a straight staircase, it can be easier. But if you have a winding staircase, it will stand out if the patterns don’t match up as it progresses from one landing to the next. It’s best to go small on carpet runners, and stick with shapes that will easily blend no matter how they are positioned.

Decorative rods are also an optional accessory that can add magic to the overall look. A metal rod is placed at the back of the stair where the riser meets the tread. The rod isn’t an integral part of installation, rather it’s for decorative reasons to help you create the look you are going for.

What are area rugs?

An area rug is a carpet that is smaller than the dimensions of the room. While wall to wall carpet stretches across the entire room, area rugs are designed in different sizes to accent the surrounding area and the decor. Are rugs are used to tie a room together, provide softness and warmth to a room with hardwood or tile flooring.

What to consider when selecting an area rug

If you have hardwood flooring and love the look, there are many reasons to bring an area rug into your home to tie everything together. Area rugs:

Make any space quieter – carpet has a sound-dampening effect, which cuts back on the room’s noise levels. That makes it easier for you to relax and recharge, especially if you have rambunctious kids and pets circling your rooms every day.

Offer protection against damage – furniture scraping, pets nails digging in, kids playing and dropping toys – these are just a few things that can impact the condition of your hardwood floors. Area rugs offer a simple way to protect the main living space. They are easy to lift and move, meaning you can change up your decorating style whenever you choose.

Add warmth – in the heart of the winter, as the temperatures dip below zero, you’ll be glad you have an area rug to add warmth to a room. An area rug helps hold heat down at floor level longer.

Should runners match area rugs?

This is one of the most frequent questions we are asked, and for good reason. Homes all across the Front Range have open concept design, meaning the living space is visible from the dining space, which can be seen from the entryway as you walk through the door.

The general rule of thumb is if you can see an area rug or a carpet runner from one room to the next, they should complement one another. That doesn’t necessarily mean they have to match, or be made from the same material. But they should stick with the same color hue, pattern, and texture.

Where you can have some fun is with sizes. Maybe smaller rugs as accents in entryways, while moving to a larger rug that is more functional under your sofas and chairs.

If you need additional help picking out the right carpet runners and area rugs, we’re here to help.