Carpet Archives - Page 8 of 15

Carpet, Flooring
June 21, 2018

Is Buying White Carpet A Recipe For Disaster?

We had an interesting question from a woman shopping for carpet for her bedroom.

I’ve always dreamed of having a light, bright, clean look in my bedroom. I’ve had my eye on white carpeting for a long time, but the idea of keeping it clean has always held me back. Still, you can buy white carpeting, so someone must be buying it. Should I invest in it? Or select another color?

Carpeting isn’t something you can change out as easily as you do the sheets on your bed. For some, they will only invest in new carpet a few times in their lifetime. So it is a big decision.

And while the color does matter somewhat, other things are more important to the decision making process.

Choosing The Right Carpet For Your Lifestyle

Should someone invest in white carpet? If her lifestyle is such that white carpet works in her life, then it might be the perfect investment. If you live alone, white carpet can be a beautiful addition to a bedroom environment. If, however, you have a busy family with small children and several pets, a white carpet may be a disaster waiting to happen. Only you can decide what the risks are.

Carpet Quality Isn’t All The Same

When you walk in and start evaluating different carpets, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. With so many choices, which is the best? That’s where an expert can help. A lot goes into making carpet. Fibers, backing materials, cuts, style, even warranties differ greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer. A carpet expert can help you understand the differences and select the right carpet that will meet your expectations.

Move Past The Deals

It’s easy to get sucked into the deals you see on television or find in a flyer mailed to your home. Why not jump at the chance of having your whole house carpeted for $99? Quite simply – it isn’t true. They get their profits in some other way. They tack on hidden fees, sell you on added services, or move you towards other products when the promised one can’t be delivered. Focusing on cost puts you immediately at a distinct disadvantage because you’re looking at today’s investment rather than how much it will cost you over a lifetime. If it wears out in half the time, was it really a good deal?

Don’t Skimp On The Things That Mean The Most

Many people push the limits of their budget with the carpet selection, only to skimp on the padding underneath. This is one of the worst mistakes. The padding is what keeps your carpet looking its best for years to come. It’s what takes the punishment every time you walk on it. It protects the backing and the fibers from wear and tear.

Should you invest in white carpet? Our answer is: it depends. If your heart is set on it and the conditions are right, then it may be the perfect selection for you.

Carpet
June 18, 2018

Have you Fallen For These Carpet Myths? It Might Be Time To Buy New Carpet

Carpeting. It’s something we take for granted until something happens. Maybe your child spills chocolate ice cream on the floor. Or a guest drops a glass of red wine. Suddenly all of your attention moves to your flooring. Now what?

A quick search will bring up a plethora of ideas on what to do next.

Use vinegar.
Use baking soda.
Use ammonia.
A little dish soap will do the trick.
Or try hydrogen peroxide; that works in some cases.

The thing is, they might work. With most spills, the most important part of cleaning it up is to act quickly.

If you remove the stain before it sets in, you have a better chance of removing it all from the fibers.

The longer it sets, the less likely it will be that it will all come up.

Yet the more you use different cleaning products on your carpet, the more it wears out the fiber.

Dish soap, for instance, is designed to remove grease and grime from cooking utensils. But when you use dish soap, you scrub a dish or pot clean, then rinse the residue away.

You can’t do that with carpet. When you use it and rub it into the fibers, it sets in deep into the threads. You can’t rinse the residue away. So it often makes a bad situation worse.

It’s the same with many of the popular cleaning methods you’ll find online. Sure, they might work. But use them again and again and you’ll likely see your carpets grow dingy, dull, and worn.

And don’t think it’s just the DIY methods that cause the problem. Even many commercial cleaning products or services can cause more harm than good.

Many of today’s top commercial products include harsh chemicals, contaminants, and toxins that are harmful to your carpets. And when you use them in enclosed spaces, they can offgas and cause problems to your family’s health.

Want better advice? Sometimes it helps to go straight to the source. We work with different carpet manufactures and understand the best way to keep your investment clean and in good condition.

Carpet, Flooring
April 7, 2018

What Carpet Wears The Best?

What’s the best carpet for your home? That depends.

Do you have kids?

Do you have pets?

How much foot traffic does your carpet receive each day?

Selecting carpet fiber determines how long your new carpet will last. It controls how easily it is to maintain, clean, and ultimately how much it will cost you over time. Some carpet may cost more originally, but if it lasts years longer, is it worth it?

Selecting the right fiber starts with understanding the different fibers available on the marketplace today. There are only a handful of fibers, yet you may run across altered fibers using fancy new names to gain your attention. They are still the same fiber, though they may have additions that make them appear different in marketing.

Nylon

Nylon was developed in 1935 by DuPont Company. It’s the most durable and the most resilient of all carpet fibers. It’s a synthetic fiber that outperforms all other fibers. It wears exceptionally well. It resists abrasion. It resists stains and is easy to clean. Nylon will continue to look like new longer than any other fiber. If you have heavy foot traffic and longevity is your biggest concern, nylon is the choice to make.

In addition to all of those benefits, nylon also comes in virtually any style and color you could want. Nylon is easily color-dyed and comes in a variety of patterns. It’s perfect for any room.

Polyester

Polyester is one of the least expensive fibers on the market. A thick polyester carpet will feel nice and soft, but won’t have the resilience you’ll find with nylon. Polyester carpet mats down in a hurry, and won’t provide classic good looks over the long term. That’s always been the problem with this fiber.

The main reason people invest in polyester carpet is when they want quick fixes and short term solutions. Polyester may not give you long term looks, but it can be the perfect solution in spaces where you change out your carpeting regularly.

Olefin

Olefin is a very strong fiber used in production of Berber, commercial, and outdoor carpet solutions. Olefin wears well and has good stain resistance when an anti-stain treatment is applied. It also has anti-static qualities, which makes it a good choice for offices and rooms where technology is in abundance.

Wool and Wool Blends

Wool carpets are considered the most elite of the fibers. They are also some of the most expensive carpets you’ll find. Wool is a natural fiber and is very soft. It provides excellent insulation and is fire resistant. Because they are natural, they are often selected by families dealing with respiratory illnesses such as allergies or asthma. Be sure to ask about full installation procedures, including materials used in the backing and padding.

Which is the best choice for you? It depends on what you’re looking for. Stop by our location today and we can help you narrow your choices and make the perfect selection for your needs.

Carpet, Flooring
March 10, 2018

When Discount Carpet Makes An Excellent Choice

As homeowners, we’re always looking for great deals. Why pay full price when you can get something on sale?

That said, some decisions are more important than others when it comes to upgrading your home. A sale on paint? Sure, why not? You know the gallon you bring home meets certain standards.

But what about carpet?

Carpet is the perfect choice for many rooms in your home. It adds warmth you can’t get with other flooring choices. It adds comfort; the soft, luxurious feel is perfect underfoot. We often suggest carpet for places where coziness and comfort are important: living rooms, bedrooms, even hallways. Carpets act as a thermal insulator, so they’ll help you save money on your energy bills in the winter. That means with carpeting in the bedrooms, you can turn down the heat a notch or two in the wintertime on cold, winter nights.

Carpeting is also the best for reducing noise. Carpeting absorbs vibrations. That means you won’t hear the “clomp” or “thumps” associated with other types of flooring. It also helps produce a crisper, clearer, more transparent sound, making it perfect for your home theater or music room.

Carpet also provides the safest environment. If you have children or older adults, carpet gives you the added security of being able to brace their falls. The cushion and sponginess of carpets help reduce the risk of slipping. And if they do fall, they are more likely to bounce back up without severe damage.

Carpet can also provide durability at a lower cost. Carpets today come with a wide array of features, including stain-free treatments that make spill removal possible and make stains less penetrable within the fibers.

Sounds good, right? Are you sold on carpet? What about at a discount?

The key is sticking with a reputable dealer who will ensure the quality of the work. It also depends on the area you wish to carpet.

If it’s just one room, you can find a wide variety of options, some at deeply discounted prices.

Don’t be afraid to ask for options. If you have something in mind, a reputable dealer is willing to work within your guidelines. They know more about their product line than anyone. Ask questions and get the very best you can for your home.

Carpet
February 18, 2018

How To Live With Ugly Carpet

What do you do when you have ugly carpet in place, and there isn’t a possibility of having it removed?

Cover it up

This may seem obvious, but it is a step many overlook. Have you seen the rugs available to consumers? Whatever your style or taste, there is an area rug for you. Measure your room and start shopping – you can change the ambiance of your room quite easily and add a new color or cover up what you dislike the most.

Paint your walls

Sometimes a dingy color on your walls only emphasizes the problem on your floors. Brighten your walls, and you can temper a carpet’s color to make it less noticeable. You can also extend up and paint your ceiling to make everything pop.

Add more texture

Instead of sticking with your current decor, add more texture from the floor up. How about adding side tables made from different materials? Or trading out different hues to bring more depth to the room? If your eye moves away from the carpet and focuses on the other items in your room, you’re less likely to think of your ugly carpet.

Distract with an accent wall

Are all four walls the same color? Change it up by adding a splash of color to one wall. Or accent it with wallpaper, adding in texture and design. It will draw the eye up to the bold pattern rather than leaving your eyes on the floor.

Rip it up

Maybe now is the time you replace that old, ugly carpeting once and for all.

There are many options for replacing ugly carpeting, all can fit within your budget. Whether you simply replace it with new carpet, or decide to add wood planks or tiles, there’s an option for you. Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or would like expert advice from one of our contractors, we’re here to help.f

Carpet
February 16, 2018

What Is The Best Type Of Carpet For Allergies?

If you or a family member suffers from allergies, you may be tempted to remove the carpets from your home. Some carpeting can trigger allergic reactions. But if you love carpet for its warmth and softness, there are choices for you.

Look At The Fiber

Even though hypoallergenic carpeting won’t entirely eliminate allergens, it will reduce the number of annoying allergens in the air that can trigger your allergic reactions. Nylon and olefin carpets resist dirt, moisture, and mildew more than other types of fibers, making them a good flooring option for allergy sufferers.

You can also look for natural fibers such as wool, or synthetic fibers such as polyester and Triexta. Look for short, tightly woven strands that have less space for allergens to become trapped. You can also check the labels on carpet samples to find the best hypoallergenic options.

Watch VOCs

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carbon-based chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature. Some carpet fibers, padding options, and adhesives used in new carpet installation may contain VOCs, which can trigger allergic reactions, ranging from headaches to respiratory irritations. Look for carpeting, pads, and installation products with a Green Label to ensure you are purchasing the lowest VOC emitting products available.

Installation and Maintenance

When bringing in new carpeting, take extra precautions before the installation process. Have the installer unroll and air out new carpet in a well-vented space. It’s also best for allergy-prone persons to leave the home during installation and immediately following the process. Open the windows and allow fresh air to flow in to remove particles.

Then clean your carpet on a regular basis. Vacuum in high-traffic areas daily do remove potential problems. Acquire professional cleaning services at least once a year to further remove problems from the fibers. You should also take precautions not to allow particles to be tracked onto your carpets: place mats by the door and adopt a shoe-off policy before people enter your home.

Carpet, Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
February 14, 2018

Is Carpet Or Wood Floors Better For Asthma?

If you have asthma, you look for ways to reduce your symptoms. And chances are you’ve looked down at the floor a time or two, wondering how it impacts your health.

The key may be in what the flooring is made of rather than a specific type of flooring. The more conscious you are about the products and manufacturing process, the better choice you can make for the flooring installed inside your home.

Carpet

Carpets can cause potential problems to live within the fibers. However, not all carpets are bad. The key is to ask a flooring specialist about the best choices for you.

Opt for short fibers rather than long
Be conscious of the fiber the carpet is made from. Natural fibers such as wool can provide a clean environment. You can also select hypoallergenic synthetic fibers designed to stay cleaner over time.
It’s often the chemicals used in the fibers, padding, or adhesives that cause problems. Look for Green Labels to choose better options.
Clean your carpets regularly. Also, have a no-shoe policy to avoid tracking in dirt and other contaminants.

Hardwood

Wood flooring is a good choice for asthma sufferers because its smooth surface does not trap dust mites or pet dander in the fibers.

Be sure you install it without your loved one around. Dust from sawing and sanding can linger in the air for quite some time. Be sure you clear out your home before entering once again.
Dust frequently with a static dust mop to remove dust.
Select a low volatile organic compound (low VOC) sealer, as this won’t emit fumes that normally come from other types of sealers.
Wood laminate can also be an option, but only if the laminate materials are bound together with high VOC content.
Offgassing can occur from formaldehyde and other chemicals used in the process. Ask about the entire process if you are concerned.

More Choices

Keep in mind that there are other choices that may be better suited for your lifestyle. They include:

Cork – naturally resists water, mold, and mildew, making it a natural choice that’s good for you and the environment.

Ceramic Tile – the hard, durable surface can be a great option, especially in high traffic areas. They are easy to clean and maintain, just avoid high VOC adhesives when you install.

Linoleum – this is made from natural materials (linseed oil, pine resin, and powdered wood) and offers a durable option for any room in your home. Just be sure you select low VOC options for both the adhesive and the linoleum products.

Have allergies? Let us help make the right selection for you.

Carpet, Flooring
January 12, 2018

How To Choose Your Carpet Color

Ready to change your room this year? One of the most difficult components of decorating can be deciding on new carpet. There are so many decisions to make: style or carpet, fiber type, pattern, quality, price, and finally, color.

Color is often the most difficult choice because it can be tough to visualize the color in your room’s layout. A tiny swatch might be beautiful but how will it look once it’s installed? The effects can be so dramatic, it’s one of the leading factors causing homeowners to wait and delay their decisions.

Here are a few tips to help make the process a little easier.

Choose The Right Color First

Every room has a central element to it. Your color should play off of that central element. For example, in your living room, the sofa is often the largest piece of furniture in place. And because you have definite ideas about the type of sofa you want to include in your room, it’s often the best place to start when deciding color. Many sofas are limited to just a few swatches of fabric. Your color and pattern choices can control the overall look and feel of your room. Make that your first choice and you can use that to decorate the rest of your room.

Use that same logic with every room in your home. With a bedroom, for example, you have more options because the bed can be changed out regularly with comforters and pillows. In that case, selecting your carpet color first can impact the mood of your bedroom.

Going Neutral With Your Carpet

There is a reason why neutral color is the carpet industries biggest sellers. Carpet has a big impact on a room, and because of the expense, it isn’t something you’ll change out on a regular basis. Unless you have the resources and the patience for changing out your flooring regularly, it’s wise to select a neutral color that will look good in many situations. Neutral carpet gives you a clean background for adding colors that are easier to change out, such as with your paint or with your decor.

Lifestyle Should Impact Your Decision

Your lifestyle and the way your room will be used should also play into your final decision. A busy household with kids and pets should stay away from light carpets that demand a lot of attention. Keep in mind that very light and very dark colors show a lot more dirt, stains, and wear than their mid-tone counterparts. A carpet that is neither too light nor too dark will be the best color for masking wear issues.

The carpet color can impact the entire look and feel of a room, so it’s important to select your color wisely. Think about trends and how you’ll live with this color down the road. Will it wear well with the changes in your family’s lifestyle?

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

Carpet, Flooring
January 7, 2018

Understanding Hypoallergenic Carpet

If you or someone in your home is prone to allergies, you might choose to look at hypoallergenic carpet as a flooring option.

If you do a quick search for “hypoallergenic carpet”, you’ll find a variety of articles doubting the claim. While carpet companies want you to believe carpeting can, in fact, be hypoallergenic, you’ll find many other resources telling you it just isn’t so. Who should you believe?

The first thing to do is to understand the true definition of hypoallergenic.

According to Dictionary.com, hypoallergenic is defined: to reduce or minimize the possibility of an allergic response.

With that in mind, it’s important to understand how carpet and allergies are linked. Carpeting can have three issues when it comes to increased susceptibility to allergens:

Carpet can trap pollen, pet dander, chemicals, and other known allergens that are tracked into the home
Many new carpets off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene, which are believed to cause allergies
Many vacuums disturb and suck allergens out of the carpet, but due to poor filtration and containment systems, they actually exhaust them back into the air.

The problem often isn’t carpet. It’s the environment in which carpeting is maintained.

As a homeowner concerned about the air you breathe, it’s important to reduce the likelihood of tracking in pollutants that can impact your family’s health. It’s equally important to invest in a vacuum that really gets the job done.

It’s equally important to make a conscious decision when investing in new carpet.

Buy carpet that carries the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label or Green Label Plus for low VOC content.

Consider wool carpet if you aren’t allergic to wool, as it is naturally hypoallergenic.

Invest in a quality vacuum with a powerful motor and HEPA filtration. Look for Green Label manufacturers. Use it weekly at a minimum, more frequently for larger families or if you spend more time at home.

Carpet, Flooring
December 24, 2017

Which Transition Strip To Use Where

Want to have different types of flooring installed in different spaces of your home? No problem. The look you create will be uniquely your own.

However, it is important that you transition the flooring from room to room to give your home a seamless look.

There are different types of transition strips, with different styles, prices, and options available depending on which you choose.

A T-bar is a metal transition strip of aluminum or lightweight steel. You’ll also find them in vinyl, composite, or wood too. They get their name because of their T shape, and are used to transition from two hard surfaces of the same height.

A carpet transition strip is used between carpeting and hard flooring because the materials are not the same height. Carpet transition strips are smooth and catch your eye to let you know there is a change in flooring coming. Teeth on the carpet side of the transition grip help hold the material in place.

End bar transition strips are used between hardwood and laminate flooring where it meets a door, step, or another flooring type. Most hardwood transition strips are made of wood or laminate to match the hardwood flooring. They are notched on one side to cover the edge of the flooring. The other side is bullnose to gently transition into the other flooring.

Stair nosing gives your stairs a finished appearance while protecting the front edge of each tread. They are typically made of wood or metal, and create a 90 degree turn downward to ensure your safety and footing.

Quarter round transition strips cover the expansion gap at the perimeter of the wood flooring if the gap isn’t covered by baseboard trim.

Baseboard transitions give the perimeter of a room a finished look and cover any expansion gaps required during installation. Quality baseboard is made from solid hardwood, though you’ll find many different types depending on your budget and needs.

You’ll find transition strips made from a variety of materials – rubber, metal, vinyl, laminate, and hardwood. It all depends on the look you hope to accomplish.

Have a question about transitions?