Flooring Archives - Page 16 of 58

Carpet, Flooring
February 24, 2021

Which Type of Carpet Padding Is Right For Your Home?

Shopping for new carpet can be exciting. You’ve decided to remodel your home. You’re adding new furniture, a new color for the walls, maybe new window coverings too.

Yet from the moment you step into a flooring showroom, instead of excitement, you might fall into a state of overwhelm. Where do you begin?

Glancing around, you’ll find patterns, colors, styles, and textures galore. If you have a specific color in mind, you’ll find it.

What about fibers? Are you looking for synthetic or natural?

And let’s not forget the carpet padding. In order to create a solid structure, and ensure your carpet has a long life, it’s necessary to select the right carpet padding for your needs.

What? You haven’t thought much about carpet padding?

Why carpet padding is important

When you walk across a brand new carpet, it feels good on your feet. It’s soft, plush fibers cushion your toes. Its warmth surrounds you.

Did you know a lot of that feeling doesn’t come from the carpet, but comes from the carpet padding instead? Carpet padding serves as a foundation for your carpeting. Whether you select a carpet from the lower end, or from the top of the line, ultimately, it’s the carpet padding’s job to create a better surface structure. It adds insulation as well as noise reduction. Without it, your carpet will fail faster.

Carpet padding is important because it protects the backing from the bottom of your carpet from breaking down. It prolongs the life of your carpet.

However, if you select the wrong carpet padding, it can actually cause more problems. That’s why it’s essential to understand carpet padding before you shop.

What type of carpet padding should I use?

Manufacturers don’t just create carpet, they are in the carpet padding business too. They understand that to ensure a long life for the carpets they produce, it’s equally important to install them over the right structure.

While there are basic carpet padding categories on the market, keep in mind that manufacturers are always innovating. They know consumers want fresh ideas, greener solutions, and updated materials. Don’t be afraid to chat with a sales associate about what’s most important to you, and select based on your needs and desires. Today’s carpet padding includes:

Rebond

This is one of the most popular carpet pads used in residential settings. Rebond carpet padding is the least expensive option, made from recycled foam. It often has a multicolored appearance with specs of color throughout. Always opt for a higher density when using rebond carpet; you’ll have better results. Of course, you should also pay attention to manufacturer’s guidelines. They often make suggestions as to which carpet padding works best for the carpet you’re installing.

Frothed foam

Foam is often used in a lot of products, and when it comes to carpet padding, it can make a great choice. Frothed foam is denser than other foam options, and is one of the most durable pads on the market. It’s also one of the most expensive carpet pads, and will often outlast the carpet itself. If quality is your thing, look no further than frothed foam.

Memory foam

It works for mattresses, why not for carpet padding too? Memory foam works similarly to frothed foam, but adds memory gel into the structure. That structure gives it that sinking feeling you may have experienced on your bedding. And while it works great for bedrooms and other low traffic areas, it’s not as suitable for high traffic areas. The gel will eventually condense down.

Prime foam

When you sit down on a couch or chair, many of them are created using a foam cushion. These foam cushions are reasonably firm, making them a good option for carpet padding in certain rooms of your home. Prime foam falls between frothed foam and memory foam in both durability and cost. It can be a right choice for low to medium traffic areas, just don’t install it in your hallways.

Waffle pad

A waffle pad is actually one of the oldest carpet padding options on the market. It’s recognizable by its waffle-like structure. It’s soft and priced at the lower end, making it a good choice for budget-minded customers. If you select this type of carpet padding, pay attention to density, and ensure it’s created from a high quality material.

Fiber pad

Fiber pads can be created from a wide variety of materials. If going green is your thing, ask about a jute fiber pad. Jute can be ideal for some areas of your home; just don’t use it in high moisture areas like your basement. Because of its structure and low clearance, it’s often recommended for Berber carpets, which can extend durability.

Rubber

Rubber is often a good choice if you are looking for resilience. It’s incredibly dense, heavy, and durable, and often works well for consumers worried about carpets increasing allergy and asthma symptoms. It’s also one of the more expensive options, so it’s something to weigh out carefully.

How do I choose carpet underlay?

Selecting a material is your first step. Once you’ve discussed and determined which carpet padding suits your needs, you’ll be given additional choices in each category. Carpet padding protects the carpet, so it’s always better to move to a higher quality when given a choice. Carpet padding should be chosen based on:

Density – is measured between 2 and 10 pounds. However, you can’t compare across categories, as fiber would be different than rubber, for example. Residential class carpet padding often suggests purchasing somewhere between 6 and 8 pounds for optimal use.

Thickness – thicker isn’t always better. It depends on the carpet you select. A low pile carpet, for instance, shouldn’t be installed with a thicker padding, as it will decrease wearability and shorten life span. A ½ inch carpet pad is often considered ample, with most associates suggesting you never go beyond a ⅜ inch pad.

What questions do you have about carpet padding?

Carpet padding can be confusing, especially when your goal is to make your room brighter, cleaner, fresher in design. Still, carpet is expensive. It’s not something you’ll change out each year. To ensure a long life for your carpet, pay attention to carpet padding. We’re happy to speak with you about your options, and make the best suggestion to suit your needs.

Flooring
February 21, 2021

Your Flooring Can Help You Soundproof Your Home

Have you ever walked into a room and cringed at the sound? Every footstep you take, it echoes throughout the room.

That’s one of the biggest reasons people are leery of moving to certain types of flooring. They’ve heard horror stories about laminate, for example, and won’t even consider it as an option.

While your flooring choice does have some impact on how soundproof your room will be, a lot of it stems from how the flooring was installed.

Homes are meant to be lived in. And if you’re overly cautious about how you walk around a room, or what activities you partake in just to avoid creating sounds, it’s time to consider other options.

Understanding noise

Inside a home, there are two different types of sound that impact your lifestyle:

Footfall noise – this happens with every step you take. It’s the noise you make from walking across the floor. It also applies to the way appliances or other machinery connects and moves on the floor. It’s sounds coming from floor joists and bad connections. It’s the energy used with everything that moves across the floor.

Airborne noise – these are sounds that come from other sources inside your home. The television. People talking. Music. It’s the way the sound vibrates throughout the room, and flows from place to place.

The quieter you want your home to be, the more focus needs to be placed on both types of soundproofing. It starts with the floor – an absorbing underlayment can help reduce both kinds of noise.

It’s not just the flooring you choose – it’s the underlayment too

Where a lot of homeowners go astray when budgeting for new flooring is thinking that the entire cost is quoted with the material they select. If you’ve ever gone to your local big box store, you might be pleasantly surprised to see popular flooring choices for a few dollars a square foot. This is doable, you might think. But what they aren’t posting is all the different things you should also be considering.

Hardwood and laminate floors

These can be challenging to soundproof because they are by default, hard floors. Any hard surface will amplify footfall noise and airborne noise. To reduce the sounds vibrating throughout your room, it starts with the right underlayment to help deaden the noise. An underlayment helps create a gap between the subfloor and the actual hardwood or laminate you install. Because the hardwood or laminate is “floating” above the subfloor, it takes the pressure off any force that would apply to the construction of the home.

Ceramic tile

Ceramic tile is often similar to hardwood in the way it amplifies noise. The key to reducing noise is in the underlayment. However, it’s crucial to choose one that can be placed under mortar and will work well with stone and tile. It needs to work at both soundproofing as well as help prevent cracking, which is always an issue if ceramic tile isn’t laid into place without gaps underneath.

Carpet

Carpet is one of the easiest flooring choices to soundproof because of the fibers themselves. Its soft, dense material will minimize both footfall and airborne sounds. But even if you choose to carpet for your home, there are things you can do to reduce sounds even more. For carpet, it starts with the pad. A thick, high quality pad softens every step you take, and reduces the noise that comes up from the subfloor and out into your room.

If you want to further increase the soundproofing, you can even install an underlayment below the padding to soften noises even further. This can be a great option for people working from home. If you’ve started podcasting, or training via Zoom, this may be the right choice for you to create a quiet environment.

Are you remodeling or soundproofing existing floors?

If you’re remodeling, changing out floors and adding new walls, you have more options than if you’re dealing with an existing floor. Lots of products and materials are now available to help you create a more silent atmosphere.

Damping compounds can be applied between drywall, plywood, and other materials in your walls and floors. It’s a great way to reduce the sounds of both footfall and airborne noises.

Floor joist isolators are made from plastic or foam and can be installed right over the floor joists to help lessen the impact of noises.

Resilient channels will also help reduce noise by placing spacers between drywall and floor joists. Working similarly to the isolators, they are used to soften the impact of wood connections, and lessen the likelihood they’ll squeak and make noises.

Other things you can do to soundproof your home

There are only so many things you can do to limit the amount of sound vibrating as you walk across your flooring. If you live in a multiple family unit – a condo or a townhome, for example – in addition to the ambient noise you make inside your home, you’ll also be dealing with noise from your neighbors.

Sound is created from everything you do. If you modify other things in your room, you can create a sound barrier between rooms, and even between units.

An empty room will be louder than one filled with decor. Pay attention to the type of furniture you bring in to fill up your space. Upholstered furniture will help absorb sound – the fibers work similarly to carpeting. Add throw pillows to add a splash of color as well as muffle sounds. And instead of selecting glass or wood tables, why not use upholstered ottomans instead? Place them against a wall, and it will further reduce noise.

Don’t leave walls bare as this will also increase the level of noise. Add drapery to your windows, and add photographs or artwork to the walls. Many people like clean lines of plantation shutters, or blinds for blocking out light. But it’s fabric-based window coverings that will provide you insulation from both noise and weather elements. Don’t forget to cover all windows and doors, including large patio doors or windows that are high up near your vaulted ceilings. They all add into the amount of sound vibrating through each of your rooms.

Trying to soundproof your home, and looking for the best flooring to suit your needs? Stop by today, and we’ll help you make the right choice for your home.

Flooring
February 17, 2021

Choose Flooring That Makes Your Floors More Toddler Friendly

Thinking of expanding your family? Adding a new baby to the family?

There are a lot of things you need to get ready for a child. After you buy the crib and invest in a shelf of diapers, you might start looking at the safety factors throughout your home.

Are your cabinets locked and safe?
Do you have padding on the corners of your table to prevent injury in case of a fall?
Do you have flooring that is toddler friendly?

Not sure what toddler friendly flooring means?

Why some floors are better for families

As babies grow, a lot changes in their worlds. They roll. They crawl. They fall down as they learn to walk. They bump into things with their unsteady wobbles.

Their entire world remains on the floor for the first few years of their lives.

Do you really want them in close contact with old carpet, or hard floors that can bruise their tiny knees?

At the same time, you don’t have to give up beauty and style for the sake of having a soft flooring perfect for your child. It is possible to have both.

Carpet – One of the most popular flooring materials for bedrooms, playrooms, and even living spaces is carpet. While plush fibers are soft and warm, and feel good on the knees and toes, you can also consider Berber. A low pile works well in playrooms as tiny toys won’t get lost in the fibers. It’s also soft on tender knees, and pads falls as they learn to walk.

LVT – If you haven’t considered vinyl, it may be time to give it a second look. Luxury vinyl tiles are one of the most popular flooring choices because it’s waterproof. Yes, waterproof. And that can be a big deal for active families. Luxury vinyl tile isn’t the vinyl you grew up with. Instead, LVT and LVP – luxury vinyl planks – look like the most popular flooring on the market, yet offer additional benefits that work well for homeowners.

LVT and LVP take on the appearance of hardwood, stone, and tile, yet add the benefit of being waterproof. LVT products are built in layers that give them their good looks while at the same time being durable and waterproof. The layers also build in padding that makes it softer to the touch than flooring choices like hardwood and tile. That softens the blow as kids are learning to crawl and walk. It also prevents accidents as they drop things.

Plus LVT looks so realistic, it fools even the experts. It’s growing in popularity because of its durability. You can install it anywhere in your home and have it be durable as well as good looking.

Hardwood – Homeowners still love their hardwood. If this is you, never fear, hardwood is always a good choice. Hardwood is softer than tile, and its classic good looks will last for decades. If you do have issues, you can sand it down and refinish it. That makes it a great choice for growing families that want to have hardwood for life in their forever homes.

Don’t forget about stairs

While many families consider flooring for their living spaces, bedrooms, and play areas, they often forget about stairs. Staircases are one of the biggest danger zones for children.

If you select the wrong flooring, the stairs may be too slippery.

If you choose incorrectly, it might not cushion a fall.

If you do choose hardwood, there are ways to make it safe.

Above all, ensure you place child-proof gates at the top and bottom of the stairs. This prevents your curious toddler from climbing up and falling down.

If you still prefer your hardwood for looks and wear, there are many ways to make them safer. Consider adding a carpet runner to soften the blow as you take each step. You can also install non-skid step pads to make your stairs safer. If you aren’t sure of how to install any of these for safety, it’s best to leave it to a professional that will ensure your stairs are as safe as possible.

Add an area rug for increased safety

Many people prefer hardwood, they install it as they move into their homes. Yet with a new addition to your growing family, you want to add softness and safety to your home too.

Area rugs are a great solution. You can get area rugs in every size, color, pattern, and thickness you desire. Want softness throughout your room? You can choose a size that covers the entire living space. Want to accent your decor? You can customize sizes to create your desired look.

The key is in ensuring they stay secure on the floor, won’t slip and slide as you walk on them, and won’t be a hazard for anyone that walks over them. Ensure you buy a non-skid rug pad that will hold your rug securely to the floor. Also pay attention to its impact on your flooring. You don’t want a ruined floor when you decide to pick up your rug and change it out.

Choosing flooring for health benefits too

Today’s families are also more conscious of how building materials impact health as well.

Many websites will talk about the impact flooring can have on health.

Carpeting can off-gas and add chemicals into the air supply.
Vinyl may have volatile organic compounds that can impact respiratory conditions.
Glues and epoxies can add to your health concerns.

It’s enough to make any new parent worried and overwhelmed.

Keep in mind that as many things as you read online, manufacturers are also listening to the rhetoric and doing something about it.

Pay attention to manufacturers’ guidelines, and you’ll find many products that will not add chemical compounds into your home. Vinyl floors now emit relatively low levels of VOCs, and if you pay attention, you can get that as low as possible.

Want safe carpeting? Why not move to an all-natural fiber such as wool?

If you’re worried about glues and epoxies, there are many different options. How about installing click-and-lock technology that allows you to install a floating floor without using dangerous chemicals.

As a new family, if you have concerns about the products you bring into your home, stop by and let us show you your options. One of the benefits of working with a flooring expert is we understand your concerns, as well as what’s on the market. We won’t sell you our preferred product, we want you to buy what’s right for you. We want you to be happy with your choice. We can walk you through the benefits of several different types of flooring, and ensure you get the perfect floor for your growing family.

What questions can we answer for you?

Flooring
January 24, 2021

3 Of The Most Popular Flooring Choices For Remodeling

What will 2021 bring? It’s a question a lot of us are asking daily.

If your thoughts have turned towards remodeling, you’re not alone. According to one study on remodeling, spending increased for the third quarter of 2020 by 9 percent, with a prediction for continued growth in the coming year.

Why? There are many reasons for the sudden uptick in remodeling projects.

To improve functionality – after spending 24/7 in our homes for the last year, a lot of us have paid attention to the bad setups and wasted space. We need rooms that suit our needs. We need private office space that allows for Zoom calls and video conferencing. We need space for each kid to attend classes live each day. We need space to work, space to play, and a sense of functionality for every aspect of who we are as a family.

To increase modernity – while you might have lived with poorly designed spaces and old appliances before, their inefficiencies have now been called out. You’re cooking from home more than ever before. The gym is now a room that sees daily activity. Why not have a sauna in your master bath? Why not make your dreams a reality?

To increase energy and water savings – you can’t help but think about the money running down the drain, especially as each family member takes a little longer in the shower because they have the time. Upgrading poor performing appliances can instantly increase your savings on monthly utility bills. It can also open up space you never had before – a tankless water heater, for example, can be installed by the bathrooms and leave ample space for that wine cellar you’ve added to your wish list.

To boost your home’s value – maybe you aren’t planning a major move … yet. But you’re weighing your options, and you know you’re open to new opportunities. Why not upgrade the kitchen or bath now, and have your home in showroom quality before you list it for sale? According to a survey by Realtor Magazine, 80 percent of homebuyers placed the kitchen as one of the three most important spaces that will make or break a potential sale. Homeowners can recoup as much as 81 percent of the remodel cost, which should give you the motivation you need to dive into your home remodeling project now.

Now that you’ve made up your mind to start your remodeling project, it’s time to start thinking of the basics. Your floors are the largest surface area inside your home. Floors set the foundation for the space, and balance your style and your needs carefully.

While you can repaint your walls if you hate the color fairly easily, your flooring choice is something you’ll probably have to live with for years. How do you ensure your flooring choices for your remodeling project is something you’ll love?

We’ve been tracking what homeowners want. People want flooring that’s flexible, easy to live with, easy to maintain, and looks great now and for years to come. If you’re looking for new flooring that meets all of those requirements and more, consider these flooring options for your remodeling project.

Luxury Vinyl Tile – LVT

Luxury vinyl tile has become one of the most popular products on the marketplace for good reason. It’s waterproof, low maintenance, resilient to anything your family can dish out, and looks great too.

What is drawing people to installing LVT is its classic good looks. If hardwood has been on your radar for years, but you could never see yourself living with it, LVT may be your solution. LVT is designed to replicate the look of the most loved products on the market. Want hardwood planks without having to worry about warping from spills or water damage? Give luxury vinyl tile a look.

If you’re looking to take on some of the remodeling projects yourself, there’s another reason to look at LVT. It’s perfect for the DIYer who wants to save a little money on installation costs. The click and lock systems provided by the top manufacturers make installation a snap.

The biggest draw to LVT flooring is its durability and ease of maintenance. LVT is waterproof – yes, waterproof. While nothing is going to withstand flooding, standing in several feet of water for hours – days – on end, LVT can withstand all the day-to-day living your family dishes out. If your child overfills the tub and doesn’t tell you, you won’t have to worry about the outcome. If you have daily messes in the kitchen, that’s not a problem. Simply wipe it up and continue on with your day.

Hardwood

Maybe you’re weighing your options for new flooring for your remodeling project, and hardwood stays at the top of your list. You’ve wanted hardwood for as long as you can remember, and nothing else will do.

Then install hardwood and be happy with your choice. It’s still at the top of homeowners’ wish lists. Its classic design makes it something you can live with for years. What’s more, with today’s technology and options, there’s a hardwood that suits your needs.

Want traditional hardwood? A classic oak may suit your needs.

Want something more durable? Check out engineered hardwood, made from various layers to give you a more scratch-resistant, durable hardwood flooring option.

No matter what you have in mind, today’s manufacturers can offer you just the style, color, and design you’re looking for. You’ll be pleased with your purchase and love the look as soon as you place it in your home.

Carpet

Are you still dreaming of a plush carpet you can dig your toes into? Do you love the warmth of carpeting in the bedrooms, and have visions of it installed in your new home office? Well you’re in luck; it still tops the list of what homeowners are installing in their remodeling projects.

If you’ve had concerns about installing carpet, put your mind at ease. Manufacturers listen to what homeowners once, and they’ve delivered by producing a variety of lines that people love.

If going green is your thing, check out natural carpet. Wool carpet is plush, warm, comfortable, and offers natural qualities that can suit any homeowner looking for eco-friendly options.

Want stain resistance? You’ll be amazed at what’s on the market today. Your carpet will have natural stain fighters that pull the most common stains away from the fiber, making it easier to clean. That leaves your carpets looking nicer, longer.

What’s your remodeling dream?

No matter what your dream home looks like, the best place to start is at the bottom. New flooring for your remodeling project will set the stage for any design you’re looking for.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
January 17, 2021

Cork Flooring – An Eco-Friendly Flooring Solution

Want a new flooring material in your home? Want something that says “notice me” while at the same time offers durability?

Maybe it’s time to give cork flooring a second look.

We love cork flooring for so many reasons. But one of the top is its eco-friendly qualities. If you have a goal of making your home greener this year, cork flooring is the perfect step to take.

Instead of using a product that takes decades to harvest like hardwood, cork is taken directly from the bark of the cork tree. It is sheared off in layers, allowing the tree to continue growing and producing over the years. Very little goes to waste.

And because it’s a natural product, it also creates a healthier living environment. It resists mold and mildew, meaning it won’t harbor allergies like other flooring materials may do.

While cork may not be on the same purchasing level as traditional hardwood, it is an excellent option for homeowners who are looking for something different.

Does this sound like you? Then let’s dive deeper into the reasons why it may be perfect for you.

People love the way cork feels

You probably have a lot of experience with cork – it’s been used in many ways throughout time. One of the most popular uses is with wine bottles – wiggle the cork out to gain access to what’s inside.

A wine cork is soft and flexible. You might also notice it stains easily, taking on the red tones from your favorite merlot or syrah.

Or how about the bulletin board you used as a kid. Remember pushing pins in to hold up your favorite mementos? The cork didn’t last long, did it?

Don’t worry; cork flooring is nothing like your memories of cork. It’s manufactured to be a flooring that stands up well under pressure while maintaining its softness to your feet. Do you stand for lengthy periods? Are you tired of how tile or hardwood feels over time? Cork flooring may be your solution.

Homeowners also love it because the softness also creates an environment with noise reduction too. It’s a quiet floor, one that won’t sound hollow as someone walks on it. It won’t creak over time. And that can be beneficial if you share home office space, or have babies or small children trying to nap.

People love cork flooring for its warmth

One of the reasons tile isn’t as popular here in Colorado as it is in states with warmer temperatures is because of our cold winters. Stepping on a cold tile when it’s zero outside can be a little intimidating.

You’ll never find cork flooring to be anything but warm. That’s because cork is a natural insulator, one that protects against both heat and cold. You’ll find it comfortable in your living space no matter what the temperature is outside.

Cork is also a natural insulator against noise. Have a home office where you produce podcasts and videos? Cork floors may be a perfect addition to help create the perfect backdrop.

People love cork flooring because it’s non-slip

The softness factor of cork flooring also gives in a natural grip. That makes it a safer flooring product than things like tile or even LVT.

While cork is water resistant, it still needs to have proper sealant installed if you’re using it in places prone to moisture, such as the kitchen or bathroom. Be sure to speak with one of our consultants about what you can expect before you install it.

People love cork flooring because it’s hypoallergenic

Do you or a family member struggle with allergies or asthma related symptoms? You might be remodeling your home to make it a healthier place to live. Cork flooring may be the perfect choice to suit your needs.

Cork contains microbial properties that make it resistant to mold and mildew. It also repels dirt, dust, dander, and other contaminants better than other flooring choices. Simply wipe them away.

If you are worried about volatile organic compounds – VOCs – in the products you choose for your home, cork is a great addition to help improve the air quality. Just be sure to pay attention to the manufacturer you select, and that they’ve received proper certification. Look for things like FloorScore or GreenGuard Gold certification to ensure the manufacturer created a product that is truly beneficial for the environment.

People love cork flooring because it’s durable

It’s worth stressing that cork flooring is a durable flooring product you’ll love for virtually any room in your home.

Cork lies somewhere between carpet and hardwood. It’s not as soft as carpet, but it’s more comfortable underfoot than hardwood.

The biggest enemy of cork can be sand and rocks. If these tiny particles aren’t swept away, they can dig in and grind cork away. But there’s an easy solution; place mats at the door to remove most of the grit from outside off your feet before you come in. Better yet, make your home a shoe-free zone and add extra protection.

Heavy furniture can also create dents. Those tiny legs on chairs and sofas can sink deep into the cork and leave a mark. Use coasters to spread the weight out, and consider shifting your furniture slightly from time to time to avoid pockmarks.

People love cork flooring because it can be refinished

There are many flooring choices that are a one time use. That’s why many turn to hardwood because you can refinish the surface multiple times.

If that has been one of your key reasons for looking at hardwood, give cork another look. Solid cork can also be sanded and restained. The trick is using a palm sander and a fine grit sandpaper. You don’t want to take any more than just the surface of the flooring.

This doesn’t apply to a cork veneer or composite – you can’t sand it when it’s built out of multiple layers. You’ll damage the flooring and have to replace it.

If this is something that motivates you, be sure to speak with one of our representatives about finding the perfect cork floor for your needs.

Is cork flooring in your future?

Flooring
January 14, 2021

3 Benefits For Choosing Eco-Friendly Flooring For Your Remodeling Project

Thinking of remodeling your home this year? You’re not alone.

According to one report, home renovation is at an all-time high. Nearly half of all homeowners are living in their first purchased home. And when they’ve lived there six years or more, 61 percent of them opt for remodeling a portion of their home in some way.

Why are homeowners thinking now is the perfect time for a remodel? The pandemic tops the list.

For the first time, many homeowners are seeing their homes in a different light. While they may have been running from activity to activity before, spending very little of their waking time at home, things have changed. Today people work from home, attend school from home, even take part in their favorite activities all from the comfort of their homes.

But what if that home isn’t as comfortable as you remember? What if you simply don’t have room for everything you do each day? You need better function. You need more flexible space.

What better time to do that than right now?

But there’s another consideration you should pay attention to: the health of your home.

You don’t want to bring in just any building material. After the past year, you now understand just how important your health is.

As you’re building the base for your new space, pay attention to every material you bring through your door. And start it out by choosing eco-friendly flooring that looks great, wears well, and improves your living conditions too.

Eco-friendly flooring is better for the environment

To truly understand how your flooring impacts the environment, you have to start at the point of origination. Where does your flooring material come from? How was it created?

Some flooring is created in a lab, made from all kinds of chemicals and products designed for specific reasons. Plastics can add strength and durability. Binders and adhesives can add to that strength and add longevity.

Yet just because they exist and we have them available to us, doesn’t make them good for the environment.

If you are specifically looking for environmentally friendly flooring products, pay attention to the specifics of how it was made.

Bamboo flooring, for example, is a hard, durable flooring material designed to give you the same appearance as hardwood floors. But bamboo is different from hardwood. Instead of taking decades for harvest, bamboo can be harvested in just a few years. Bamboo is a grass that grows extremely fast, and is woven together to add to its strength and durability. If you looked at bamboo years ago and were leery of its strength, look again. Today’s bamboo is a welcome addition to any home, and may be the perfect choice for your remodeled space.

Of course, bamboo isn’t the only option. How about linoleum? Yes, linoleum has been around for decades, and many homeowners don’t even think to look at this eco-friendly product. But combined with today’s technology has made it a wonderful choice for some rooms in your home. Linoleum is made from tree resin, linseed oil, cork dust, bits of wood, limestone, and pigments. It’s pressed together to make a natural flooring product perfect for some areas of your home. If you’ve wanted a flooring that’s easy to clean, and provides water-resistant benefits, linoleum might be your choice.

Want other options? Look no further than cork. This environmentally friendly material comes from thin layers of a cork tree. To harvest cork, workers sheer off a thin layer of cork, leaving the tree intact. The tree continues growing and can produce multiple layers of cork throughout its life. While most people are leery of cork in the beginning, with pictures of wine corks and bulletin boards floating in their minds, you’ll find cork flooring much different than other types of cork you have around your home. Manufacturers use a process to make cork hard enough to be installed in your home, and wear well under pressure. It has give that hardwood and tile won’t have, yet offers durability that can last for many years to come.

Of course, when you want to install eco-friendly flooring, look beyond the flooring itself to ensure you’re getting what you truly want. Cork floor may seem like a great choice, but if it’s harvested in less than stellar ways, you’re really not getting what you paid for. Look for certifications that ensure it’s an eco-friendly product. Things like Green Label Plus or Forest Stewardship Council have all set up organizations to follow the entire process of the product, and ensure it meets guidelines along the way.

Eco-friendly flooring is better for your home

People usually select eco-friendly flooring for two reasons.

1. They want a product better for the environment.

2. They want a product better for the health of their family.

If you suffer from allergies, if you have a family member prone to asthma or other respiratory illnesses, you may be looking for ways to create a cleaner living environment. Eco-friendly flooring can help with that.

One of the greatest benefits of selecting eco-friendly flooring is the fact that they use fewer chemicals in the production process. Volatile organic compounds – VOCs – are gases that are released from certain types of building products. As they release into the environment, they produce a host of health issues, including headaches, sinus problems, and other respiratory issues. While manufacturers as a whole are working to lower VOCs, they are still higher in some types of flooring than others. Eco-friendly products will focus on creating a product that is environmentally friendly throughout the process, from harvesting to disposal at the end of its useful life.

Eco-friendly flooring is better for you

When you shop for new flooring, or start a remodeling project, what’s the first thing you consider before starting your search? Chances are it relates to your budget.

That’s where eco-friendly flooring can help once again.

Just because you have a budget to stick to doesn’t mean you have to select a flooring product that isn’t a sound investment. Some of the most eco-friendly flooring choices on the market today are also easy on the pocketbook.

Eco-friendly flooring is in demand. And because of that, a lot of manufacturers are producing a wide variety of options.

No matter what your budget is, or what desires you have for your final project outcome, there’s an eco-friendly option for you.

Stop by today – we can help you find the perfect choice to suit your needs.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
January 10, 2021

Hemp Flooring – Is It Right For You?

There’s a new flooring in town – hemp flooring is gaining in popularity.

Why? Because it’s a great product for homeowners who are looking for a sustainable, eco-friendly building material that helps make their home healthier too.

Where trees can take years to grow as a crop ready for harvesting to create hardwood flooring planks, hemp can go from seed to harvest in as little as 120 days. That makes it an incredible resource to use for creating building materials.

Yet hemp is something people are only starting to understand. While hemp flooring might not be as wildly popular as hardwood, we’re intrigued by the possibilities and wanted to share it with you. Let’s start with a little research into the industry.

The history of Hemp

Hemp is most commonly associated with the cannabis plant. When most people hear “hemp”, their mind slips back to their college days, and think of it being used for only one thing. Yet hemp is turning into a crop with many uses.

As a nation, we’re starting to accept it as a crop. Under the USDA, the 2018 Farm Bill expanded protection for hemp cultivation throughout the country. It allows the transfer of hemp-derived products across state lines, and does not restrict the sale, transport, or possession of hemp-derived products, so long as the products themselves are consistent with the law.

While CBD related products may still have varying degrees of legality from state to state, other products – like building materials – can be sold anywhere.

How hemp flooring is made

Hemp flooring is designed to resemble hardwood, yet it’s a more sustainable product that isn’t hardwood at all.

The concept of having hardwood flooring created from other byproducts isn’t new. Homeowners are already in love with materials like bamboo, which is a grass-like product, and cork, which is made from the bark of a tree.

Hemp is just another way to use a natural product and give it a useful life inside our homes. If it can do it in a better way for our environment, and healthier for our bodies, why not?

Hemp flooring is manufactured by compressing dried hemp stalks into blocks using a soy-based binder. Extreme pressure is used to seal the stocks together into 4 foot planks. These blocks are pressed together using a hemp veneer pressed onto a plywood board. The result are boards resembling hardwood planks, with a tongue and groove application system.

What makes it eco-friendly is the process used for pressing the material together. The top finish of a hemp floorboard is made from a non-toxic liquid that solidifies quickly and doesn’t evaporate like other water-based products. That means only trace amounts are released into the ozone during processing.

The curing process is also more eco-friendly. To create the boards, manufacturers use UVA and UVB light, meaning it’s a formaldehyde-free, zero-VOC process that creates a durable top coat. This process also makes a floorboard that is as much as 25 percent harder than some of the most popular hardwoods on the market.

Let’s talk more about Hemp sustainability

Chances are, if you’re reading this, you care greatly about building a home from sustainable products. You’re trying to move towards carbon neutral living and want to do so in an efficient way.

People love hardwood because of its sustainability. Yes, you need to be aware of where the wood is sourced from, how it’s produced, and how it’s installed. But with adequate research, you can use hardwood like oak and feel good about your purchase.

Hemp can make that process even better.

As we’ve already mentioned, hemp grows much faster than an oak tree used as a crop. While an oak tree can take years to reach maturity, hemp moves from seed to harvest in as little as 120 days.

If you’re aware of your carbon footprint, it’s worth looking at hemp. According to one study, a plot of hemp absorbs four times more carbon as compared to a plot of trees the same size. Given that hemp can be harvested over and over again, this adds up over time. By the time a crop of hemp is harvested, one ton of hemp will have sequestered on average 1.62 tons of CO2.

While this article focuses on hemp flooring, it is also exciting to point out that flooring isn’t the only building material being targeted by the hemp industry. Insulation, particleboard, plaster, roofing materials, and finishing products such as caulking, sealants, varnishes, and paints are all utilizing the environmental benefits of using hemp as a base.

Strength and durability

While homeowners and manufacturers alike are excited about the potential hemp brings to the market, sustainability isn’t enough if durability isn’t also a factor. Luckily, hemp flooring has that too.

Hemp flooring is designed to look and feel like oak. Even better, hemp flooring is engineered to be as much as 20 percent harder than traditional oak wood. Tests have shown hemp to have a hardness factor of more than 2,000 on the Janka scale, which gives it a similar quality as Brazilian Cherry.

Hemp can be cut, sanded, and stained just as you would any traditional hardwood. That makes it a perfect choice for every room you would install hardwood. It also makes it the perfect choice for other building projects such as facing, furniture, and molding. As always, be sure to test the product thoroughly in the space you desire before you use it in your home.

Are you ready to use hemp flooring in your home?

While it’s still considered a new product, and isn’t yet available on the mass market, it’s only a matter of time before you see it installed in a wide variety of places.

Because it won’t warp like hardwood, and doesn’t have to be designed while avoiding knots and other blemishes, there is a decrease in wood waste.

This is one building product that homeowners and designers alike are going to enjoy putting inside remodels and renovations.

The only question left is: will you be installing hemp flooring in your home?

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
January 7, 2021

Dogs and Hardwood Floors Can Co-Exist Together

Every remodeling or renovation job starts at the bottom – with the flooring, that is.

That’s because your room design starts with great flooring.

Can you imagine a bathroom with carpeting? Or slick, ceramic tile in the kitchen? Both would be a disaster waiting to happen.

Instinctively, we know what flooring works best in each room in our homes. But once you move past the basics – no to the carpet in bathrooms – it gets a little tricker.

Especially when your family includes dogs. As a nation, we love our furry friends. The American Veterinary Medical Association states that 38.4 households across America own a dog. That’s more than one in three!

Yet Coloradoans also love their hardwood flooring. It continues to be one of the most popular flooring choices, with hardwood flooring being one of the top requests from people out looking for a new home.

A global pandemic in 2020 didn’t change that. What it did change, however, is the type of hardwood in demand. While it’s still speculation what homeowners will want in 2021 and as we move forward, places like Hardwood Flooring Magazine are already predicting consumer demand.

Thanks to technology, you have a lot of choices when it comes to installing hardwood flooring in your home. And growth is predicted in lines where durability, upkeep, and cleanliness are all at the top of the benefits list, something we appreciate even more during 2020 as we’ve dealt with COVID.

According to Hardwood Flooring Magazine’s 2021 outlook, they are predicting an uptick in engineered and factory-finished hardwood. Both are extremely durable, easy to care for, and have hard surfaces that are especially conducive to keeping clean. They also handle well in high traffic situations, and perform equally as well when you have pets.

Dog adoptions are up.

Remodeling is booming as we get our homes ready for more staying in place.

Is hardwood the perfect choice for both situations?

Choosing hardwood flooring when you have a dog

Think about all your furry friend does during the day.

She runs circles throughout your home
She eats and drinks from bowls placed on your floor
She digs in with her claws to gain traction
She naps in the sun

Is hardwood flooring the best to handle all of that?

Fortunately, there are several choices of hardwood flooring that work well for all of those activities. Consider:

Pre-finished hardwood flooring – this offers a major benefit over unfinished hardwood where you stain and coat it once it’s laid into place: it comes with a harder, more durable surface. That’s because manufacturers have more options when they finish a product inside their production facility. Most manufacturers apply an aluminum oxide finish to the surface, which creates a stronger surface coating that can withstand more abuse from what your family can dish out. That gives it more scratch-resistant properties.

What species you’ll install – there are many different species types used for hardwood flooring, including ash to walnut and everything in between. Some species are harder than others; they’ve developed a Janka hardness scale to rate each type of wood to help you make your final decision. Soft woods are more susceptible to scratching while hard woods can sustain more impact. If you have dogs and an active household, be sure to select a hardwood on the harder side of the scale.

Surface – every hardwood has its own unique characteristics. Some have a more textured appearance, helping them hide scratches and dents more easily. For example, hand-scraped flooring has grown in popularity, and with its slightly uneven texture, it adds warmth and personality while hiding scratches and dents at the same time.

Care for your hardwood floors when you share your home with a dog

No matter what type of hardwood flooring you decide to install, it’s important to create a regular maintenance schedule to keep it looking its best. There are a number of things you can do to ensure your flooring has a long life, and looks great in the process.

Wipe your dog’s paws

While you can’t ask your dog to leave her shoes at the door, you can ensure that she leaves the dirt and debris she collects outside where it belongs. Set up a routine for when your dog comes in from the outside. On dry days, using a pet-safe towel to wipe down their paws may be all it takes. On snowy days, don’t forget to check their paws for chemicals they may have picked up on your daily walk from snowmelt and other chemicals used for snow clearing.

Use doormats

Every entryway in your home should have a doormat to help collect dirt from your shoes and boots. It will also help reduce dirt from your dog’s paws as he enters from the outside. Ensure it has a solid backing to prevent it from slipping as you both track in water, snow, and ice.

Cut your dog’s nails frequently

The American Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends that a dog’s nails be trimmed just as they touch the ground. When you hear a clicking noise as they walk on a solid surface, it’s time to schedule a trim with your vet or groomers, or do it yourself. Be sure to educate yourself on the procedure before you begin.

Use a dog bed

Hardwood flooring can be hard as your furry friend sleeps during the day. Instead of leaving them basking in the sun on the hard surface, invest in a dog bed to give them a more comfortable spot. As your working from home, place it nearby so she feels like a member of the family as you go about your day.

Avoid bones and other heavy objects

The younger your dog, the more they enjoy playing. Pay attention to what toys and bones you give them, avoiding the heaviest objects or reserving them for outside play. Puppies especially are prone to picking things up and dropping them repeatedly. That can quickly damage softer woods.

Do you have a dog at home? Are hardwood floors on your list of projects for the year?

It’s easy to marry the two together when you put a little thought into your project before you begin.

How can we help you make the right choice for your home this year?

Carpet, Flooring
January 3, 2021

Stain Resistant Carpet Is Still a Necessity

What’s the one fear of every homeowner when they think about installing new carpet?

Stains.

They envision a guest in their home, dropping a glass of red wine. Or a child tipping over a juice box filled with purple liquid. Or maybe a dog running through with muddy paws.

Suddenly, your new carpet doesn’t look so new anymore. There’s a distinct color shift in the area you’ve scrubbed and scrubbed.

That can be disheartening, especially if your carpet is only a few weeks old. Now you have to live with it for years, knowing it isn’t the right color in certain spots in the room.

That’s where stain resistant carpet comes into play. But what does that really mean? Do all carpets have stain resistance? What should you look for? What’s important?

We’ll get into all of that and more. But first, know one thing: the most important part of stain resistance is selecting the right carpet material. Get that right, and you’ll love your carpet for years.

Let’s talk about fibers.

Nylon carpet

One of the most popular choices for homes is nylon carpet. That’s because nylon sets the bar for stain resistance. While nylon is humanmade, and isn’t a natural fiber, it is naturally stain resistant. It’s made with a stain resistant coating that allows spills and stains to be lifted from the carpet with little more than soap and water.

Nylon is also soft to the touch, making it a perfect choice for the family home. If you have kids that play on the floor, pets that sleep by your feet, and an active household that is always working and playing together, nylon carpet offers a world of benefits. Nylon is one of the most durable synthetic materials available, making it a great choice in every room, including hallways and high traffic areas that take a lot of abuse.

https://pro-flooring.com/whats-that-smell-it-may-be-carpet-mold/

Polyester and Olefin carpet

Polyester and Olefin are technically two distinct types of carpet, yet they offer similar stain resistance. Both offer oil-based materials that do an excellent job at repelling spills. Yet because they are oil-based, that makes both types of carpet attract oil easier.

Why are these types of carpeting popular? Price. They are at the lower end of the spectrum, making them a suitable choice in many circumstances.

Oils enter your home most often on the bottom of your shoes. It sticks as you walk across asphalt, or can even slough off from your skin. If you have an oil-based carpet, one of the first things you should do is make your home a “no shoe” zone. You should also use this type of carpet in areas where you won’t be lying on the floor and spending hours at a time. Dining rooms? Yes. Family rooms? There might be a better choice.

Wool carpet

Up until this point, we have talked about lab-created materials that offer stain resistance. But there’s one natural fiber you can consider as well: wool. Wool provides a certain level of stain resistance against many of the most common spills you’ll have in your home. Wool also offers good resistance to oils. It’s highly durable and ultra soft. Think of wool as a luxury you bring into your home.

This is why many homeowners shy away from wool. Wool comes with a high-end price tag that scares many people away. Keep in mind that wool carpet is also one of the longest lasting, and is naturally sustainable. For some, it’s worth the investment.

What is stain resistant carpet?

So what exactly is stain resistant carpet? It’s easy to assume that with any stain resistant carpet, you’ll get a product that resists the stains you’re most likely to create inside your home.

No material is one-hundred percent effective against stains. But there are ways of producing a product that repels what you drop onto it, as well as makes it easier to clean.

Stain resistance applies to the fiber itself. If the fibers don’t soak up the properties of the spill, it’s less likely to show the results after you clean it up. If it retains its original appearance after cleanup, it’s less likely to be ruined by the spill.

If this happens over and over, with every spill that occurs, you’re less likely to need to replace your carpets. Or at least push it out for as long as possible, giving you the looks you demand while spreading out the costs.

The most popular carpet fibers used today are nylon, a synthetic, that is made on the manufacturers’ floor. It’s made up of a plastic prized for its smooth texture and waterproof qualities. It also has resistance to things like mold and insects.

During production, carpet manufacturers add an extra step of adding a chemical coating. This adds protection against the most common household items being able to penetrate through the coating and down into the fibers.

Stain resistance products are proprietary to different manufacturers.

Stainmaster – Stainmaster is one of the most recognizable stain resistant carpet brands. They have a wide variety of products, styles, and textures, and provide one of the best warranties in the industry.

SmartStrand – SmartStrand is another product line produced by Mohawk that offers durability and stain resistance, with pet protection, and a strong warranty.

These are just two of the different types of stain resistant carpet out in the market today. You’ll find different manufacturers create their own products, and market them in different ways. It’s important to compare the benefits they offer as well as how inclusive the warranties are. We can help you compare products and offer you advice when it comes to making a selection for your home.

Which stain resistant carpet is right for you?

Without knowing much about your flooring project, it’s difficult to suggest which option is the right choice for your home.

Before you settle, spend some time listing out your requirements. What do you expect from your carpet now and years into the future?

Then stop by our store. We can show you options, educate you on what qualities different manufacturers bring, and help you settle in on the right stain resistant carpet for your needs.

https://pro-flooring.com/here-are-the-biggest-mistakes-when-buying-new-carpet/

In the end, it’s all about helping you make the right choice, one you can live with and be happy about for years.

Flooring
December 28, 2020

The Ins and Outs of a Floating Floor

Floating floors are increasingly popular in homes across Colorado. The term “floating floor” doesn’t represent a specific type of flooring or material; rather, it refers to a method of installation. You’ll find many different materials utilize floating floor technology as a means to go in quickly into your rooms: laminates, engineered hardwood, and luxury vinyl all can be installed using click and lock technology.

Floating floors come in individual plank or tile format, with interlocking edge-to-edge form that creates a mat-like surface that lays or rests on the subfloor or underlayment.

It’s quite different than glue-down or nail-down flooring you may have in the rest of your home. It takes time to adhere tiles or planks using glue, ensuring you lay it correctly and it has ample time to dry. Get it wrong, and you’ll be prying it up, replacing it with brand new materials. That can be a waste of time, money, and resources.

Floating floor technology is easier, and is often the perfect choice for do-it-yourselfers. It’s a favorite method because it’s also forgiving. You should have a perfectly prepared subfloor for a solid base, yet it’s easier than ever to lay each plank or tile down, and click it into place.

What does it mean to have a floating floor?

The term “floating floor” can be a little misleading, as it doesn’t so much as float as it does rest on the subfloor. With a floating floor, you don’t apply adhesive before you lay each tile or plank into place. Instead, you lock each piece in similar fashion to a jigsaw puzzle, building a tight bond as you combine piece after piece. The floor is stable if you prepare the subfloor and it’s free from blemishes and debris. The only difference is it rests on top of the subfloor, stretching across your room from edge to edge.

The benefits are many, including ease of installation, as well as easy maintenance. If you damage one plank, for example, you have the possibility of replacing just the impacted area, rather than prying loose an entire area and having to redo it. That can be a big bonus in busy households where your flooring receives high impact traffic.

Types of floating floors

In every home, the floors you walk and stand on all day are comprised of several layers. The base was designed when your home was built. It has a network of boards and joists that support the overall structure of your home. The subfloor layer protects the base, as well as provides support for the flooring you install on top. The top layer is the flooring of your choice. This is the part you’ll walk on, place your furniture on, and live with for years to come.

Many flooring choices attach the flooring to the subfloor. It stays attached until it is torn out and replaced. Floating floors are different in that the floor and subfloor remain two separate layers. Floating floors are placed on top of the subfloor without being fixed into place.

You’ll find floating technology exists in three separate types of flooring:

Engineered wood – engineered wood is constructed using multiple layers for added strength. Each layer is made out of wood, with the top layer created from a solid wood veneer. This makes engineered wood planks lightweight, durable, and easy to install. The bottom layer is often made from recycled or a pressed wood, which makes it an eco-friendly option.

You can find engineered wood in glue-down and nail-down methods too, but it’s floating floor technology that makes it easy to install, and a particular favorite of do-it-yourselfers.

Laminate – laminate flooring is rarely glued or nailed into place. Instead, it relies on tongue and groove technology to build the floor into one level surface area. Laminate isn’t wood like engineered wood, and isn’t plastic as some people believe. Instead, laminate is created from four core layers:

Back layer – a product designed to protect against moisture, and used to help balance the flooring
Core layer – a durable high-density board that further protects from moisture
Design layer – a high-resolution photograph that gives the product its appearance
Wear layer – a clear coated layer that protects the surface

Luxury vinyl – luxury vinyl is created in two separate categories, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is meant to resemble tile, and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is meant to imitate wood. Both of these products work similarly to engineered wood and laminate in that the planks or tiles float above the subfloor and use tongue-and-groove or click-lock systems to lay the flooring into place. While these products can be glued, floating technology gives you ease in both installation as well as replacement down the road.

What are the pros and cons?

We’ve eluded to the biggest pro for using floating floors: ease of installation. Because they float into place, you don’t have to worry about adhering a board in the wrong area, and having to pry it back up and wasting resources if you change your mind. This can be a cost-effective way to install a floor, no matter what your skillset. Do it yourself, or hire a professional to do it for you; it’s an easy job either way.

While it is important to have your subfloor primed and ready for a new floor to be installed, floating floor is more forgiving as it isn’t permanently attached. Depending on what is currently installed, you might be able to install floating floors directly over what’s already in place. That can save both time and money.

It’s more economical and more eco-friendly. A lot of the materials used in floating floor technology can be made from recycled materials. If sustainability is important to you, pay attention to how the product was created. There are a lot of great options for using this technology.

If you’ve ever walked on a floating floor, you may have noticed it has more give. That’s because it creates an air cushion between the flooring and subfloor. While this can have more give as you stand and walk, it does make the product wear faster than more solid flooring choices. You may notice warping or pitting faster than with solid options.

It also comes designed with a sealed finish, meaning once the seal is broken, it cannot be replaced. Hardwood is designed to be sanded and finished again and again. With these floating floors, you’ll replace the entire flooring rather than refinishing.

Is floating technology right for your home?

If you’re looking for a DIY project, or you want a beautiful floor that can be installed quickly, look no further than one of these products. Styles, colors, and patterns are plentiful, and offer you beautiful choices in making your house a home.

What flooring is right for you?