Carpet Archives - Page 7 of 15

Carpet, Flooring
September 26, 2019

What Is Better: Carpet or Laminate Flooring?

When it’s time to replace your flooring, you have many different options. You can simply replace your current flooring with something similar. Or you have the option to change it up and install something different.

If you have an older home filled with carpet, you might be eyeing hardwoods. After all, you can’t pick up a home decorating magazine, or watch a home show without seeing hardwood flooring being installed. Yet you’ve looked at the price tag and considered your options. You’re just not sure you’re ready to make that kind of investment.

So you’re back at square one. Should you replace your old carpet with new?

When looking at replacing your current floors, there’s another choice you might consider. Carpet and laminate are both popular choices, and the cost is usually comparable.

With laminate flooring, most is sold with tongue-and-groove planks, making installation a snap. If you choose to do-it-yourself, this makes it an easy process. Installing your own carpet isn’t as easy. If you’re a weekend remodeler and want to tackle a new project, laminate might be the perfect choice for you.

Still not sure which is the right choice for you? Let’s dive in deeper and look at how carpet and laminate compare.

Appearance

Let’s start with how carpet and laminate look, and what materials are used to create each product.

Laminate flooring is a multi-layered product, typically four layers in a laminate plank. At the bottom is a stabilizing layer to give planks their strength. Next is a high-density fiberboard. You have the photographic layer that gives laminate its looks. And finally, a resin layer that gives it a protective wear. The clear coat layer is what gives it its durability.

https://pro-flooring.com/the-best-way-to-install-laminate-flooring-in-the-bathroom/

Carpets come in a variety of styles and materials. Some are created from natural fibers, such as wool, while others are made from synthetic materials like nylon. Carpet is created by attaching an upper layer of pile attached to a backing that gives carpet strength and durability. In most cases, you’ll find carpet made from petroleum-based synthetic materials. If you want a greener, more eco-friendly option, be sure to seek out wool, the softest and most durable natural option.

https://pro-flooring.com/the-truth-about-carpeting/

Carpet or laminate flooring both offer a wide range of design options. If you have a color, pattern, texture, or final look you’re hoping to achieve, either flooring choice can help you achieve your results.

Today’s laminate doesn’t have to stick with classic hardwood designs. You can turn to more exotic hardwood looks, such as hickory or even reclaimed wood. Or change it up and select laminate that looks like stone. Some of the patterns can be so realistic, you have to get down on the floor to see it’s not real.

Durability

Carpet is more durable and stain-resistant than it was in the past. Still, it’s generally accepted that you’ll have to replace carpet every eight to ten years with a moderate level of traffic. You can add longevity by taking your shoes off at the front door. But in general, it can only be cleaned so many times before it starts to show its wear.

Laminate has a longer lifespan, lasting up to 30 years if you purchase a high-quality product. Laminate is scratch-resistant, water-resistant, and easy to clean. That’s why it’s often used in places where hardwood isn’t a good choice, like basements, laundry rooms, or kitchens.

For some homeowners, they like the thought of upgrading and remodeling on a regular basis. They don’t mind a shorter lifespan, knowing they will be replacing the flooring every few years. Think about your goals and needs before you make your final selection.

Resale Value

Will you be selling your home in the near future? Then you may wish to pay attention to what buyers want. Overwhelmingly, realtors report they want hardwood. And if it doesn’t make sense to install the real thing, laminate gives the appearance and is a logical next choice.

According to a recent study, if you install hardwood floors, you can expect to recoup up to 80 percent of the costs. Carpet ROI dips down to only 25 to 40 percent. In the words of the realtor surveyed: carpet just doesn’t cut it for many buyers. They want to see hardwood, at least in the main living areas.

https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/what-type-of-flooring-should-i-install-for-best-resale-value/

That makes laminate a great choice if you want to create a clean, fresh look.

Suitability

In most modern homes, you’ll rarely find one type of flooring covering every inch of the home. What makes sense for one room might be inappropriate in another. Carpet is never a good choice in the kitchen or bathrooms. And laminate is often the best choice for landlords trying to make the most of every dollar they spend on upgrading rental property. It comes down to knowing what your goal is for every room in the house.

In common living spaces, such as living rooms and family rooms, it makes sense to use a flooring material that gives you flexibility. Laminate is the perfect choice because it’s easier to clean, less susceptible to stains, and you can make changes easily by adding area rugs.

In bedrooms, you might prefer the warmth of carpet. Nothing feels better on the toes on a cold morning than plush carpeting. It insulates and helps the room feel warmer.

Using laminate on stairs can make your home beautiful, but it also can increase the risk of falling. Laminate can make the steps more slippery, which can increase problems for small children or elderly. That might make carpeting a better choice. Or consider a runner to give the benefits of both.

In basements and lower living areas, the floors are often at increased risk of moisture and water damage. For this reason, carpet doesn’t make sense. Laminate is water-resistant, meaning cleanup will be easier. However, keep in mind that if you have trouble with flooding, laminate doesn’t stand up well to excessive humidity and water. It can warp and damage the product over time. In this case, you might be better off looking at other flooring choices.

What’s the right choice for you: carpet or laminate flooring? If you want to consider all your options, stop by today. We’re happy to show you what’s new in the world of carpeting and laminates, and help you find the right choice for your home.

Carpet
August 12, 2019

How To Evaluate Carpet Quality Before You Invest In Commercial Carpet

Sure, it’s important how a carpet looks. You want it to be beautiful, and to add the “wow” factor to your room.

But equally important is carpet quality. If it isn’t made well, it won’t perform well over the lifespan of the carpet.

Carpet quality comes from a variety of factors, including how well the carpet was made, how well it’s maintained, and how well it’s installed. Of course, a carpet can do very well in a guest bedroom that sees very little use, yet be the wrong choice for a heavy-traffic office space that has dozens of people crossing over it every day.

How do you know where to start?

Carpet Fiber

The first characteristic to pay attention to is the carpet fiber. You can select carpet made from natural or synthetic fibers. Both have their pros and cons, so it’s crucial to pay attention to what each type offers, and know how well they would perform if you install them in your commercial location.

Natural Fiber

For some, the only way to go is by installing natural fibers. Wool is one of the most expensive fibers used in commercial carpet production, but it can be a great choice for some business applications. Wool fibers are strong and durable, crush-resistant, and matt-resistant. It can be a good choice in an office back from main entrances, where water isn’t a problem. While wool will resist some moisture, if it’s introduced to too much water, it will shrink.

Wool fibers will hide dirt well. They also resist holding dirt deep within the fibers. Manufacturers suggest that you clean wool carpets more than their synthetic counterparts, which should include both regular vacuuming and deep cleaning. Keep in mind that while wool carpets may be good at hiding dirt, they are more susceptible to being damaged from embedded dirt that isn’t quickly removed. It will impact the fibers, hurt them, and decrease the lifespan of the carpet.

Synthetic Fiber

If you prefer synthetic fibers for your commercial application, there are some great choices available.

Nylon is one of the most common fibers used in commercial environments because it’s strong, resilient, wears well over time, and resists moisture, oils, and chemicals too.

While wool fibers are dyed post-production, nylon fibers are solution-dyed during production. The color is added in the beginning with they nylon crystals before it’s formed into carpet fibers. That makes it more resilient throughout its lifespan against wear and fading. What you see is what you get for the life of the carpet.

However, nylon has the ability to generate static electricity, especially in drier environments like here in Colorado. That can be a problem in buildings where sensitive electronic equipment is stored and used. To reduce the impact of static, manufacturers coat the nylon fibers to help reduce static and dissipate it before it reaches dangerous levels.

Some turn to olefin fibers for this reason. Olefin is an excellent choice if you want a carpet that is fade-resistant, stain-resistant, moisture-resistant, and can be used in both indoor and outdoor applications. While olefin is a good choice if your professional space frequently sustains accidents and spills, it doesn’t perform as well as nylon with ongoing dirt and debris. Dirt particles are often trapped in olefin fibers, damaging the surface and shortening the life of the carpet. More frequent cleaning will be needed if people track in dirt particles.

Olefin has the advantage of fibers that don’t generate static electricity. That’s why many business owners turn to olefin if they have sensitive electronic equipment or computers. But olefin does have a drawback of having a low melting point. Even simple tasks such as dragging heavy equipment across the carpet can cause enough friction to leave burn marks in its path.

Carpet Pile

When carpet is created, it is constructed with cut pile or loop pile. For either, carpet quality depends on density and the amount of twist.

With cut pile construction, the fibers are cut at the surface and woven tightly together to form the carpet and make it stand up. The fibers can be cut to create an even surface area, or cut at varying heights to create patterns and texture. Higher quality carpets will use two or three piles of yarn tightly twisted together to create a stronger fiber. This tighter weave, in general, will create better performance and more durable carpet quality.

With loop pile construction, the fibers are looped through the backing and woven tightly together to create a uniform look and feel. Loops can be all at the same level, or interwoven at varying heights to create patterns and textures.

Cut pile overall is not as durable as loop pile. When loop pile is subjected to constant pressure, it rebounds and returns to its original condition easier than cut pile. This rebounding makes it better suited for high-traffic areas.

Also, loop pile that’s tightly compressed together will be better at blocking dirt, making them the best at standing up to high traffic levels.

Carpet Backing

While it’s easy to choose carpet based on the look and feel of the fiber, carpet backing is equally important at determining carpet quality.

Carpet backing is what gives the carpet its strength. It provides a moisture barrier designed to keep spills from seeping through and impacting the carpet padding and the subfloor, where mildew and mold can begin to form. This is where it’s important to know your daily practices and ensure you choose the right carpet for the job.

In most cases, the yarn is stitched through fabric, which in turn is coated with latex to add strength and durability. Depending on the manufacturer, some add additional fabrics and materials to increase the resilience. Polypropylene, for example, offers mildew resistance qualities which can make the carpet better suited for damp or higher humidity applications.

You may also find some carpets with a foam back. While not as durable as other backings such as polypropylene, it can make installation easier. Just glue the carpet directly to the floor without a carpet pad in place.

Are you ready to add new carpet to your commercial space?

Don’t just focus on the looks and color. If you care about carpet quality, and want the best your money can buy, focus on how the carpet was made. If you spend a little extra time ensuring you have the right carpet for your commercial application, you’ll love the results for years to come. Contact the Denver flooring expert today and let us show you the possibilities.

Carpet, Flooring
July 16, 2019

How To Choose The Right Carpet For Your Space

When it’s time to choose the right carpet for your home, where do you start? It’s a major undertaking. Because carpet has the biggest impact on how your room looks and feels, it’s important to take the time and get it right. It can last for years – a very long time if you don’t like it from the moment it’s installed.

At the same time, there’s more to selecting carpet than color and price. If you focus on just those two points, you might miss installing the best carpet for your lifestyle. Style, texture, pattern, padding – there are a lot of decisions to be made to ensure you get the best flooring for your needs.

Where do you start?

Where are you installing new carpet?

Your first step is to plan out where your new carpet will go. Are you installing it throughout your home? On one floor? In the bedrooms? In high traffic areas?

Let the amount of traffic the rooms receive guide you to make your decision. If you’ll regularly be entertaining in the room, ensure it can handle the foot traffic and potential spills. If your new carpet is going in the dining room, stain and soil resistance is a must. If it’s being installed in a bedroom or playroom, softness underfoot will be nice throughout the year.

How much are you willing to spend?

We realize that cost is a major factor when settling in on a floor. While it’s important to choose the right carpet for your needs, it’s equally important to realize there are other costs in your decision. Padding plays an equally important role in how well your carpet wears and lasts. Installation is also a factor in the final pricing.

The final cost often increases because homeowners forget about the little things that impact price. Have you considered closets, hallways, door frames, and other protrusions that require carpet too? Have you considered repeating patterns, seams, and furniture placement that will impact how much carpeting you need?

How do you pick styles and colors you like?

Wall to wall carpet has a big impact on the overall personality of your space. It can stay quiet and subtle, or pack a punch and be put on display.

Still, a lot of homeowners are nervous when it comes to color. They often shop with one thought in mind: I want it beige-y but not too beige-y. Have you ever thought that?

Looking at the vivid colors and patterns on display might capture your eye. But how do you make a final decision? How do you choose the right carpet for your room?

Start by talking with one of our flooring consultants. We can help you narrow down selections that would work well for your lifestyle.

Also, realize you won’t be making your final selection in just an hour or two at the store. You’ll want to live with your choices before you narrow in and make your final one.

We suggest narrowing in on three to five carpet sample boards. They usually are arranged with multiple choices, from darkest to lightest in descending order. Looking at them, you can probably eliminate most of the colors. But there will be several that are contenders. These are what you should focus in on.

Lay the sample board down in your room. Then cover up the samples you won’t choose, and compare the others and how they look in your home. Keep in mind that carpet usually looks about half a tone lighter once it’s installed because of the way the natural light will hit the fibers.

Live with your samples for at least a full day, watching the way the light changes. How does it look in morning sunlight? How about midday? Or evening light?

Then settle in on undertones. When you look at certain color choices, you’ll see certain colors. Maybe one color has too much grey, while another has too much brown. Compare it with your other decor – does it blend or contrast with your new couch? How about the wallpaper? Or the new drapes being installed?

If you get it down to two or three and still can’t make a decision, come back in. We can even order larger swatches for you to bring home and compare once again. A larger piece means you can move it more freely around your home. Butt it up against the baseboards, or throw it out in the middle of the room. You’ll be living with this for a long time; taking the time to order larger swatches and live with it for a few days is worth the hassle and time.

What carpet is right for each room in the house?

While there isn’t a set guide for what carpets work best in each room, we do have a few guidelines we suggest.

For living rooms, we feel plush or Saxony will hold up well. Well-constructed nylon will bring years of service to one of the most functional rooms in your home.

For family rooms, your best bet is a dense carpet that holds up well under pressure. Might we suggest a Berber in a neutral color? This will give you years of functionality and will stand up under pressure.

For dining rooms, ensure a stain-resistant carpet. Don’t go too light; instead, choose a shade darker. You might even want to focus in on texture and patterns to keep your carpet looking good for years to come.

For bedroom living, these are the lightest traffic rooms in the home. Yet don’t skimp on comfort, because nothing feels as good as scrunching your toes into the carpet on a cold winter morning.

Of course, beneath it all is equally important. A good padding minimizes wear and tear on the carpet. When in doubt, bump up the level of padding and decrease your choice in carpet. You’ll be glad when you see how well your carpet handles under the pressure.

Is this the year you upgrade your carpet?

Are you ready to choose the right carpet for your home? If you’ve decided that this is the year, it’s time to take action. Stop by today and let us help guide you towards the right carpet selection. With hundreds of styles, colors, and patterns, there’s a perfect choice waiting for you.

Are you ready to find it?

Carpet, Flooring
July 2, 2019

Is Carpet Bad For Your Health?

Carpet is one of the most controversial flooring types within the industry.

On the one hand, you’ll find a lot of people touting how bad carpets are. They can trap pollutants like dust mites, dirt, pet dander, particles, mildew, even mold. Toxic chemicals and gases in the air can settle into carpet fibers or on pollutants themselves. They sit there waiting for vacuums to make them airborne once again, or your pets or kids to lie down and become exposed to them as they play on the floor. Some carpets and carpet pads are made with chemicals and glues with volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These are also known to harm your health.

On the other hand, some will tell you the exact opposite is true. Carpet can actually make a home a healthier place to live, keeping fine dust and other particulates out of the air supply. On smooth floors, these particles are always being recirculated into the air as your furnace or air conditioner turn on, or even as you walk by. A carpet will trap them and keep them low until you vacuum and pull them away. And with the increase in technology and awareness about the harm of VOCs, manufacturers today are producing high quality carpets with low or even zero VOCs. If you select natural fibers like wool, and pay attention to both carpet pad and installation, you can have one of the most eco-friendly flooring choices around.

Which should you believe?

Let’s start with a few statistics

Studies have been performed all around the world looking for a definitive answer.

A study commissioned by the German Allergy and Asthma Society showed that using smooth flooring markedly increases the risk of finding dust throughout a home, while homes using carpet minimizes the risk. And in homes with smooth flooring dust pools and is located in higher concentrations than in homes with wall to wall carpet.

For people with respiratory problems, fine dust is a problem. The more dust inhaled, the more it triggers irritation and causes breathing problems over time. The fact that carpet traps fine dust and holds it down close to the ground means there is less likelihood it will be up in the air supply. And that can be a good thing.

Or how about a study performed by the European Community Respiratory Health Service, an international organization that surveyed over 19,000 people in 18 countries, that showed homes that have carpeting in their bedrooms have a lower incidence of having a family member with asthma symptoms.

Carpet can lower the accumulation of dust within your home

Here in Colorado, most of us rely on gas-forced heating and cooling systems to keep our homes comfortable. And because of the unpredictability of Colorado weather, either one or the other is operating almost all of the time.

Have you ever sat in a home and watched dust and pet hair blow around every time the furnace or air conditioner turns on? If you can see that, imagine what’s happening to fine dust particles that are microscopic or hard to see. This fine matter is stirred up even with the most gentle breezes, putting all of that into the air supply, and ultimately inhaled.

Carpet fibers trap all of this, and keep these particles down near the floor.

When you have carpet, part of the regular maintenance routine is to vacuum them regularly. Modern day technology dictates that you’ll have a vacuum that uses HEPA-filters, which trap allergens and dust mites and permanently remove them from your carpets.

Of course, some carpets do this better than others. That’s where quality comes into play. Spend the time finding the best carpet for your situation.

What about VOCs?

VOCs – volatile organic compounds – are found everywhere, not just in carpet or adhesives. You’ll find VOCs in things you use every day:

Cosmetics
Deodorants
Cleaning supplies
Dry cleaning
Polishes and waxes
Drapery
Furniture
Office equipment
Cigarette smoke
Air supply from outside

You can’t escape it. But you can be conscious about it.

VOCs can be in any type of flooring. The key is in paying attention to the manufacturing process. Also, ask questions about installation, and select only those products that are carefully analyzed for lowering VOCs.

And statistics show that the use of VOCs is decreasing rapidly. Here in the US alone, in 1970, there were over 35 million tons of volatile organic compounds released into the air. In 2017, it was reduced to 16.2 million tons.

Being aware can greatly improve your ability to select things that won’t harm your health, and can actually make your home a safer, more comfortable place to live.

In can increase safety too

In some homes, safety is a top concern. Do you have an elderly relative who lives with you? Or a small child learning to walk?

Falling is one of the most frequent reasons people end up in emergency. And for an elderly person, the results can be catastrophic.

If someone falls on a hardwood or tile floor, the damage can be substantial. Carpet softens a fall, and can reduce the amount of injury.

Carpet has also been known to help reduce stress. There’s just something about squishing your toes into soft fibers, something that makes you relax and say: ah.

It might also be because of noise levels. Have you ever experienced the hollow sound with hard flooring in place? You can hear the echo as you talk or walk around the room. Carpet is a natural insulator, with improves noise control. That too, can have a lot of positive benefits, depending on the situation.

So, have you reconsidered your desire for carpet in your home? Are you looking for quality carpeting solutions that can help you create a non-toxic, breathable, sustainable living environment?

If so, we can help. We have many wonderful carpet brands that will perfectly suit your needs and taste. Stop by today and take a few samples home. You’ll love what new carpet does to your home.

Carpet, Flooring
June 14, 2019

6 Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Carpet

Remember when you first installed new carpet? Your rooms looked new. They made you smile whenever you walked inside. They added color and pizzazz. They helped you define your decor, and add personality to your room.

And then things changed.

A stain here. Pulled fibers there. Threadbare over here. And damage over there. Yep, your carpet is worn out.

It’s time to replace your carpet.

But maybe, just maybe you can stretch another few months out of it. Surely it can last another year … right?

Your carpet might be trying to tell you: no way! It’s time to replace your carpet, and bring some freshness back into your home once again.

You can’t ignore the stains on the carpet

The first stain is usually pretty easy to hide. You simply move the furniture around to cover it up.

The second stain becomes a bit more challenging. How about a bigger rug?

Eventually, you don’t have enough furniture to make your carpet look good. And it’s not just the stain from the grape juice your kids spilled, or the bottle of red wine from your last party. It’s the fade marks from the sun streaming through the window too.

Carpet cleaners can often work magic. If you call them in as soon as some stains appear, they can treat the area and make it look better. But not all carpet cleaners are the same. Some carpet cleaning methods can actually do more harm than good. They can make your stains more noticeable, and can damage the fibers with harsh chemicals.

Of course, there are other stains too that can do severe damage to the carpet, the pad, the subfloor, and even your health: biological substances like pet urine, vomit, mildew, and mold. It’s difficult to get these out when they occur, and over time they can cause serious hazards throughout your home. When you have several spots like this in your room, it’s time to replace your carpet.

Wear and tear on carpet is telling you something too

Remember how your carpet looked when it was brand new? The color was perfect. The fibers popped back into place as you walked across it. It looked beautiful.

Now, it looks like a matted mess. And after years of vacuuming, you may have even noticed it pulling up around the edges. While that might not matter much in the corner of your room, you can’t ignore it when it’s near a threshold as you move from one room to the next.

You may also start to notice trails. Do you see more wear in heavy traffic areas? Hallways are notorious for matting down. And no matter how much vacuuming you do, within minutes, it’s right back to looking old and worn.

Different types of fibers wear in different ways. While nylon fibers are more resilient than others and respond well to cleaning, they can still wear out over time. When you no longer can hide the matting, or can’t get a piece of metal or wood wide enough to cover the threadbare edges of your carpeting, it’s time to replace your carpet.

That funny smell? Yep, it’s your carpet

If you have a pet, those funny smells can linger long after the carpet cleaner leaves your home. When you continue to smell that weird smell long after you attempt to do something about it, that’s when you know the problem is deeper than just your carpet. The problem has sunk down into your padding, and possibly even impacted your subfloor.

As spills, biological substances, and chemicals seep through the backing of your carpet, it soaks into your padding. And once there, there is little you can do to get it out. So it stays there, and grows. It can mildew and mold.

And the smell begins.

That’s when you know it’s time to replace your carpet.

Dig deeper – your carpet padding is the problem

When people shop for carpet, they usually focus all their energy on the carpet. They move to a more expensive, higher quality carpet thinking the additional investment will add longevity overall.

That’s not entirely true. Yes, a higher-quality carpet will give you better performance. But carpet padding comes into play too. Carpet padding is the foundation for your flooring. Without the right carpet pad in place, carpet is nothing more than a sheet of material you hook into place.

Carpet padding is what buffers sound. It keeps the room quieter. It improves the insulation factor of your space. It also adds comfort and increases wearability. If your carpet wears well, you can thank the carpet padding for that.

And when you start to see problems with your carpet – stains, spills, ripples, and wrinkles – that’s your carpet padding saying: help!

Cleaning your carpet doesn’t necessarily reach down to your padding. So the problems escalate until finally it can’t take anymore.

That’s when you know it’s time to replace your carpet.

Sick more? It may be your carpet

The more stains your carpet accumulates, the more the padding begins to wear, the more particulates you’ll have in your space. And eventually, all of that biological substances can start impacting your health.

Do you sneeze more? Have colds that linger? Have allergy symptoms you never used to have?

It might be your carpet.

If you can’t find any other reason for your health issues, it might be time to replace your carpet.

Maybe your carpet is just old

How old is your carpet? Is it still original from when you moved in? Did you add it when you remodeled, yet you’re almost ready to remodel again?

Carpet isn’t designed to last forever. With even the best care, you can expect carpet to last around 10 years.

After 10 years, you’ll notice it shows signs of wear, especially in high traffic areas. The dirt will show. The spills will stand out. And no matter what you do, you can’t make it look good.

It’s a little embarrassing, right?

Think of what new carpet would do for your home. How would it liven up your room? How would it change your decor?

New carpet may be one of the least expensive ways to revive your home. To give it style and add life back into your room.

So what’s it going to be? What’s the best carpet for your home?

Stop by today and see what’s new. And in just a few minutes walking through our showroom, you’ll wonder why you didn’t replace your carpet before.

Carpet
June 3, 2019

Surprising Reasons To Choose Carpet

What do you think of when dreaming about the perfect home? Do you see a gourmet kitchen? A family room where everyone wants to hang out? Cozy bedrooms that allow you to snuggle down for some quality alone time?

The base for all that coziness starts at the bottom – with your flooring. What do you see?

In recent years, hardwood has become the decor item of choice. But it by no means is the only option for your home. For many people, hardwood simply doesn’t make sense. Hardwood has its own unique problems.

There are many reasons to choose carpet instead. Here are just a few.

Comfort

It’s hard to ignore the softness of wall to wall carpet. Plush pile gives you just what you need to sink your toes into, especially on a cold, winter morning. While you might not prefer carpeting throughout your home, it’s quite often one of the best choices for bedrooms. And because carpet comes in a variety of colors, patterns, textures, and styles, you can let your creativity run wild and select something perfect to compliment your decor.

In addition to feeling great on your toes, carpet adds warmth to a room too. Because it’s made from thick fibers, with a backing equal in strength, and placed over a thick pad to increase the longevity of the carpet, it helps insulate the room and keep it a comfortable place to be all year long. Your kids will love to snuggle down into it, whether lying on their backs reading, or playing games with their friends. And pets will find it comfortable to sleep and relax, taking a little of the stress off their joints. For older homeowners that live with pain, carpet can be the perfect addition to increase comfort levels as they walk from room to room.

And in busy households, carpet acts as a buffer, reducing the sound and noise throughout the rooms. Many condo associations have made carpeting a standard flooring choice for this very reason. While hardwoods and laminates create echos, carpet helps muffle sound. That can be especially helpful if your family includes small children taking naps, or shift workers trying to sleep at all hours of the day.

Green

When most people desire to increase the green factor of their home, selecting products with eco-friendliness in mind, carpet isn’t their first choice.

Think again.

It’s true, most carpet today is made from synthetic fibers such as nylon, polypropylene, or polyester. Increasingly carpets are being created from post-consumer waste – recycled bottles and containers – making it a sustainable material. That makes it stronger, more resilient, and more stain-resistant than other carpets before.

If you’re worried about VOCs – this new synthetic carpeting has lowered the VOCs and is similar to other man-made flooring choices. Like other products, it is a good idea to keep your home well ventilated during the installation process, and for a few days after it’s completed.

If you want to up the green factor in your home, bypass synthetic materials and return to good old-fashioned wool. Today’s wool fibers are warm, durable, and easier to maintain than other wool carpets of the past. You can also consider other natural fibers such as sisal from the agave plant, or coir, which is made from coconut trees. Both offer a wide variety of color and design options, while keeping your home green in the process.

Appearance and Decor

We know one of the top reasons people choose carpet is the appearance. It’s one of the best materials available to match any decor. You can create a clean palette and stay neutral, or liven things up by going bright and bold. You can compliment your decor, or change things up and make it the center of attention.

Before you make a decision on what color carpet to install, ask yourself a few questions.

How tolerant am I of color?
How often do I like to change my decor?
Will I be moving out of this home soon?

Our staff also can help by showing you a wide variety of options, then help you narrow down the selections and make the best choice for your situation. Think texture. A smooth, Saxony texture may be perfect for a refined look. A nubby loop pile texture may be the right choice for a busy family room. And let’s not forget frieze – it’s a modern take on the iconic shag carpet popular a few decades ago.

Of course, if you’re planning on making a move soon, it might benefit you to stay neutral. The last thing you want a potential buyer is to focus on the carpet. But even if you do want to stick with standard beige, you never have to settle for anything less than gorgeous. There really are a lot of options in any color combination.

Cost

Which brings us to one of the best reasons to choose carpet: cost. Carpeting is one of the most affordable flooring solutions on the market today. You can find it at any price point, stay simple, or move to a more luxurious look and feel.

With carpet installation, it’s not just the carpet that will be installed; padding plays an important role too. Padding is what helps increase your carpet’s longevity. It gives it proper support against the subfloor every time you walk on it. Padding isn’t the place to cut back on the cost; it’s just as important as the final selection in carpeting.

Keep in mind that carpet won’t last as long as other flooring choices such as hardwood or tile. But with proper care and maintenance, it has a lifespan of around ten years. As you’re considering your choices, look carefully at the different manufacturers. Each will give you guidelines on how to keep them looking their best. Carpet cleaning periodically is a must, but follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for best results.

So what are your reasons to choose carpet for your home?

Are you ready to make your home a warmer, more comfortable place to live?

Are you ready to add a pop of color to every room in your home?

Or are you looking for an economical way to improve the looks of your home?

Whatever your reasons, we’re here to help you make the best possible choice. And love your home for years to come.

Carpet, Flooring
May 27, 2019

How To Ensure Worry-Free Carpet Installation

You walk into your room. The contractors have been there all day. You’re excited about the color. You can’t wait to start decorating. Yet there’s still one question left to think about.

How well did the carpet installation process go?

Because it’s important to choose your carpet’s color wisely. It’s equally important to buy based on your room’s use. But if the carpet installation process isn’t everything it should be, you could face many years of disappointment. Here’s why.

It’s all in the details

It seems easy enough. You want new carpet in a room in your home. You select the right carpet for you. A contractor comes in and installs it. Everything’s perfect.

Well…

It might not be the carpet that’s the problem. The floor the carpet will reside on must be properly prepared.

Will it sit on a cement slab? Was the previous flooring glued down, leaving residue? What kind of padding was in place – will it be removed? Is the subflooring still in great shape?

Carpet is a good flooring choice to hide a variety of problems. Yet carpet still depends on having a good base. It’s not the carpet quality that determines how long it will last; what’s underneath plays an equally important role.

After you select the perfect color and style, turn your attention to the padding. Also, ask about the installation process. While a small bedroom may not have a lot of issues during the carpet installation process, if you’re putting in new carpet throughout a large commercial property, it can be a little trickier.

Every manufacturer has their own set of guidelines that must be followed in order for the warranty to remain valid. Ask about these guidelines even before the carpet enters your space. Then ensure that the policies are followed, so you don’t void the warranty even before the contractor leaves.

Ask about experience

Have you ever walked into a room with new carpet and noticed visible mistakes? Chances are there was an amateur at work.

Like any career, it takes time to learn the little details that make the job easy. When you’ve installed new carpet a handful of times, you might overlook simple issues. When you’ve installed new carpet thousands of times, nothing gets by you.

Small rooms aren’t a problem. But when a room is larger than the roll of carpet, there will be a seam somewhere in the room. How noticeable that seam is depends on the contractor.

If you work with your installer beforehand, you can talk about the way you use your room. Seams can be minimized if they’re placed underneath furniture, or if they flow with the direction of the light.

Don’t assume because a business has been around a long time that the installers associated with that business are top-notch. Ask questions. Those big box stores may seem to be a bargain, with low prices on carpeting that looks good on swatches in the store. But it’s the installer that’s equally important.

Where’d that fee come from?

You know those GREAT deals that promise you a house full of carpet for a few pennies on the dollar? Yeah … they don’t exist. It may seem like a great deal in the commercial, but when you finally sign on the dotted line and pay the final bill, you’ll be overwhelmed by the hidden fees.

Before you say yes to a deal, be clear about what services and fees will be tacked on to your final bill. For example, will you be in charge of moving furniture out of the room? Will they charge to discard old carpet and padding?

What about the baseboards and molding around your room? They have to be removed. Will the installer take care of this, including patchwork to get everything back in place?

And if you install a different level of carpet than was installed before, the door might not clear. That means you’ll be left with another problem of having to find a way to adjust your door to open and close.

Pay attention to how much overage you’ll have. Measure twice and cut once. You should never leave this process to chance; a reputable dealer will ensure the proper measurements are taken before ordering, and before the carpet installation process. They’ll take into account the dimensions of your room, the closet floor, and the pattern that needs to be matched at the seam.

The time and the place

A lot of homeowners choose to upgrade their carpet with an event in mind. They want new carpet for a party they’re planning. They want their homes to appear fresh and updated before relatives roll into town.

In order for that plan to work worry-free, you should give yourself enough time for installation, and a little extra for the “unexpected” problems that may arise. Ideally, you should install new carpet after other work has been done. Paint, wallpaper, and other remodeling work should all be completed.

To avoid even more problems, be sure the subfloor is clean. While a lot of contractors handle this part of the job, it’s a good idea to ask.

You should also determine how long the project will last. Small rooms can easily be completed in one day. Larger projects may take longer. And what happens if the installer runs into a snag? The more questions you ask, the better prepared you’ll be for the day.

It often takes up to 72 hours for odors to dissipate. It’s also normal for new carpet to shed. But if you see wrinkles or ripples, that’s when you need to call the retailer back immediately.

Of course, you should never install new carpet and plan your party for that evening. Give yourself some time to adjust and live with it first. Vacuum the carpet a few times. Walk on it barefoot to adjust the fibers into place. Enjoy your carpet before your guests arrive. Ultimately, this is about how well you’ll enjoy the space you’ve created.

Are you ready to redo your home? Wanting for a new look? The perfect way to have worry-free carpet installation is to plan for everything before you take your first step. Stop by today, and we can get you started on a worry-free process.

Carpet, Flooring
March 25, 2019

Frequently Asked Questions About Carpet

Your home is a place your family can relax, so we understand you need flooring to match your lifestyle. If you’re considering replacing the carpet in your house with different carpet, take a look at some of these frequently asked questions below.

How Often Should I Replace the Carpet in My House?

Depending on the type of carpet you currently have, it can last for a number of years. However, if you start to notice the padding is getting thinner, matting, or there are stains you cannot remove, we recommend replacing your carpet right away. If carpet is exposed to liquids or a damp environment mold can begin to grow. You should act quickly if you suspect there is mold underneath your carpet.

How Long Does Carpet Take to Install?

Our team tries to make the installation process as smooth as possible for our clients because we understand you want to have your home back to normal. We will schedule a time that is convenient for you and then place the new carpet exactly where you want it. The length of this process depends on how large the area is that needs the new carpet. When talking with our team, we will provide you with a personalized estimate for your installation.

If you have more questions, you can reach out to our team to learn more about carpet replacement in Colorado by calling (303) 788-0113 right now.

Carpet
February 7, 2019

3 Reasons to Replace Your Carpet

With spring around the corner, you are probably thinking about the home improvement projects you want to complete around the house. Take a look at three reasons to replace the carpet in your home below.

Stains

Whether you have pets or children, your carpet is bound to have different types of stains from over the years that you are unable to remove. When you are ready for new carpet, you can turn to our friendly team to help you decide which style is right for your home.

New Home

If you recently purchased a new home, you might want to replace the carpet before moving all of your furniture into the house. Many people often have the carpet replaced before moving in because it is less stressful to have done because there is no furniture in the house that you have to worry about moving.

Trends

Following trends is always a creative way to keep your home up-to-date. When you are seeking the latest trends when it comes to carpet, you can rely on our staff to show you options you will fall in love with for your home.

Reach out to the team at PRO! Flooring Brokers by calling (303) 788-0113 when you need carpet replacement in Colorado.

Carpet
August 7, 2018

How To Prevent Puppy Accidents On Your New Carpet

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

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

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

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

Start by keeping your puppy clean

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

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

Remove pet stains quickly

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

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

Use rugs

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

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