Flooring Archives - Page 18 of 58

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
November 10, 2020

What To Know About Cork Floors Now

The year 2020 will be remembered for a lot of things, but in your home, it might just be for the year you decided to spend more time at home.

Suddenly, you discovered you like being at home. All those little projects you left unfinished? They’re finally being completed. You need office space for you and your partner. A place for the kids to do their assignments and homework. And maybe a place where you can continue all of your crafts and hobbies you picked up along the way.

But 2020 is also a year you learned more about cleanliness and finding the perfect materials for everything inside your home. Take flooring; you know that old carpet has to go. What should you replace it with?

It might be time to consider cork floors. Why? For so many reasons. Let’s start with the biggest reason as we move forward from a pandemic.

Cork Floors are Hypoallergenic

If you’ve struggled with any respiratory problems in the past, such as allergies or asthma, you’re going to love cork flooring. It’s mold and mildew resistant, it contains antimicrobial properties, and repels things like dust mites, dirt, and other contaminants that may impact your floors’ cleanliness.

That can be a very big deal this year as you’re trying to keep your home clean. By installing them throughout your house, you know you have a natural material that will work hard to keep the air quality as clean as it can be.

However, keep in mind that if you are concerned about air quality, pay attention to the flooring manufacturer, and the method used for installation. Not all cork is the same. Look for products that were created to keep indoor air quality as safe and healthy as possible.

FloorScore is an index that helps you choose products based on independent certification for the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) it releases into the air. GreenGuard solutions is another certification that demonstrates how committed a product is to creating a healthy environment.

As you select a final product to come into your home, pay attention to te entire installation process. If a contractor uses a harsh adhesive for installation, it negates all the benefits you attain by selecting a reputable cork flooring product. That’s why it pays to get to know your flooring dealer first and trust them to help you make the best decision for you and your family.

Cork Floors are Easy to Maintain

Is everything in your home a little cleaner this year? Are you looking for materials that make the cleaning process easier? Then look no further than cork floors.

While cork isn’t a maintenance-free flooring, with proper care, it can look beautiful for decades.

Many homeowners come in wary of cork, thinking about the topper in their favorite wine or the bulletin boards they used as kids. This is not the same cork. Cork flooring is pressed tighter and mimics some of the best hardwood floors in the industry. When they are sealed properly, they should hold up well against all sorts of spills and accidents. Like other materials, it’s all in how fast you react. If you leave red wine sitting for extended periods of time, it will stain. Just wipe off the liquid quickly, and you shouldn’t have problems.

Daily cleaning can be handled with just a simple dust broom or a vacuum with a bare floor setting. Oil-based soaps will damage the floor, so be sure to use water-based cleaners. Check with your flooring’s manufacturer for the right cleaning products, ones that won’t strip off the finish and leave it vulnerable to stains.

Cork Floors are Durable

Even though cork flooring is comparable to hardwood, it isn’t a hard surface. With small pressure points, it is susceptible to dents and tears. That means if your furniture has small legs that push weight down into the cork material, use coasters to level out the pressure points. If you wear high heels regularly, check them at the door. And be careful if you frequently move large furniture so the legs and other pressure points don’t dig in and tear the cork material.

Another threat to cork flooring can be dirt and small rocks. That’s why we suggest checking all of your shoes at the front door. When you drag in small amounts of dirt, sand, gravel, and other debris, they can become embedded into the cork material, scratching your flooring’s finish. At a minimum, we suggest floor mats at every entrance to wipe your feet and avoid tracking in damaging debris.

Cork Floors are Soft

One of the reasons people often pause before purchasing hardwood floors is the hardness factor. If you take a fall on a hardwood floor, you’re going to feel it. If you drop a dish on a hardwood floor, it probably won’t survive.

But cork flooring is different. That’s because cork isn’t a hard wood, but instead is made from the bark of a cork oak tree. The material is sheared off, ground, processed into sheets, and baked in a kiln until hard. The compressed material will bend and bounce back into shape. But it still contains air-filled pockets that give it that flexibility and sponge-like feel.

If you suffer from leg or back pain, and stay out of the kitchen because of the hardness of your flooring, cork can be a welcome relief. It can make standing for any length of time easier on your body. And if you have small children or elderly at risk of falling, cork flooring is a great way to create a stylish look in your home and still be safe in the process.

Cork Floors can be Refinished

Many homeowners love installing hardwood because it’s a flooring choice that will be around for decades. When the surface dulls and needs refreshing, you simply refinish it, and it looks like new.

Solid cork works in a similar fashion. Solid cork can be sanded down and refinished as well. While you don’t grind it down in the same manner, you can buff it with a palm sander to take a much thinner layer. Then apply a new coat of stain and sealer.

As with any natural product, cork isn’t meant to be a flawless material. That’s part of its charm. Every floor will have unique ebb and flow, based on the way the material comes together.

If you’re looking for something unique that adds to your comfort and durability, look no further than cork floors.

We think you’ll love the results.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
November 7, 2020

Is Exotic Hardwood Flooring Worth The Cost?

When you decide it’s time to remodel your home, your first thought is function. How can you increase the functionality of your home, giving you more usable space?

But another part of you wants something more. You want elegance. You want beauty. You want the WOW factor when everyone walks through the door.

To get that wow factor, you can’t shop your local big box store and make selections available to the masses. You have to stretch. You have to think bigger.

Exotic hardwood flooring may just be the wow factor you’re looking for.

Why the best place to start a remodel is with your flooring

Depending on the room you’re redoing, there are a lot of changes you can make that will impact the way it looks and feels. A fresh coat of paint can set the stage for bigger things. New furniture can upgrade your room and give you a modern feel.

But paint and new furnishings are surface level. They are things that can be changed easily. With flooring, it’s a little more difficult to change out.

That’s why when you’re selling your home, buyers know to look beyond surface level and focus on things that can be game-changers in the way they live. They can always grab a few gallons of paint, and for a hundred dollars or so, reset the room for their needs.

Flooring is different. It takes work. It takes time. And it takes money for big changes. And buyers know that adds up, especially if they are putting out a lot of their funding for purchasing the home. That’s why buyers look at flooring as one of their “make or break” items when finalizing their decisions.

Hardwood stands out. It’s what Coloradoans want. But increasingly, they are also looking for a step above the norm. And that’s where exotic hardwood flooring comes into play.

What is exotic hardwood flooring?

In the world of flooring, hardwood falls into two categories: domestic and exotic.

Domestic hardwood refers to any species of wood that is found in North America. It includes Oak, Birch, Maple, and American Cherry. Because domestic hardwood is easier to harvest and install right here in the United States, it’s considered to have a more traditional look.

Exotic hardwoods include species found around the world. It usually comes from tropical locations, where hardwood is more in abundance. Some of the species include Brazilian Cherry, Brazilian Walnut, and Australian Cypress, among others. They will have a more striking appearance because you won’t see them in every home across your neighborhood.

That makes the biggest downfall of exotic hardwood the …

When homeowners come in and start comparing hardwood, they immediately notice the difference between domestic and exotic. Yes, you can find different colors, different hues. But one thing stands out above all: the price.

It takes more effort to source exotic hardwood in different parts of the world. There are manufacturing costs. There are shipping costs. And it takes more effort to get the product here, to you, in the states.

We’re living in a globalized economy. That makes international trade more accessible than ever. The more we build relationships with other countries, the more we trade to get things we need and want in different locations of the world, the less expensive items will become.

But for now, exotic hardwood flooring is still considered a more expensive option. And that means you won’t see the different colors, different hues, different grains, in the homes you visit in your local community.

Another problem with exotic hardwood flooring … sustainability

Exotic hardwood can sometimes be considered a status symbol. If you’re not conscious about where you harvest the hardwood from, it can be taken from sources that are overharvested, clear-cut, and at risk for extinction.

CITES – the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species – works hard to control wild fauna and flora. This issue is becoming more widely known because of global climate change.

If you don’t know where the wood is sourced from, there’s a good chance it comes from a less-than-reputable resource. Always question where the product comes from, and ensure you select manufacturers who adhere to the strict guidelines imposed by these different rules and regulations. That’s a big reason to visit a local flooring dealer as opposed to ordering flooring based on price from the internet.

Another thing to consider is carbon footprint. Is the wood sourced responsibly? What are the carbon offsets if you purchase the product and have it shipped in? A reputable manufacturer will be able to answer all of these questions and more.

Of course, there are a bunch of reasons why exotic hardwood flooring should be on your list

If you’ve read this far, chances are you’re in the market for exotic hardwood flooring, and you’re now on the search for the right product for your home. It’s hard to beat its beauty. But there are other reasons it might be the right choice for you as well.

Exotic hardwood floors are durable. Some can last for years – decades – giving you a viable flooring option that can last a lifetime.
The grain of different species can add to the beauty of your home. Select finishes, stains, and patterns that are far beyond what you can expect from domestic.
Hardwood flooring is hypo-allergenic. If you’re worried about how your floors impact your health, rest assured hardwood is one of the healthiest flooring choices you can make.
Don’t forget the environmental friendliness of hardwood flooring. As long as it’s harvested in a sustainable way, it can add to the beauty of your home without impacting the environment.
It adds value to your home. This can be especially important if you are considering selling your home in the near future.

Is exotic hardwood flooring for you?

Whether you’ve made your decision or are in the beginning process of selecting the right species and materials, the best place to start is to stop by and see what’s available.

We can help you narrow down your selections, and finalize your decision. Whatever questions you have, we can help you find the answers.

While it may take a little time to acclimate the product to your home, and have it installed the right way, once it’s laid into place, you’ll have a flooring you’ll be proud of for years to come.

What questions can we answer for you about exotic hardwood flooring?

Flooring
November 4, 2020

Choosing Hardwood? Should You Select Solid, Engineered, or Laminate?

Have you come to the conclusion you want hardwood throughout your home? It’s a popular choice here in Colorado.

But making the decision to install hardwood is only the first step in the process. You have choices. And today’s hardwood isn’t like what your parents had installed.

Before you move forward, take the time to discover the differences between solid, engineered, or laminate hardwood. Discover which is best for your unique situation. Install the right choice and you’ll be happy with your flooring for years.

https://pro-flooring.com/its-the-best-season-to-install-new-hardwood-flooring/

Solid Hardwood

Solid hardwood has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? It’s solid. And that’s what attracts so many homeowners to it.

Solid hardwood floors are made from a solid piece of hardwood. The entire plank is cut from the tree, meaning the flooring used is natural to the core.

In most cases, hardwood flooring manufacturers create these planks to be three-quarters of an inch thick. To give it strength, it must be nailed down to a wood subfloor. That means if your home was built on a slab or concrete base, solid hardwood isn’t the choice for you.

The biggest benefit to solid hardwood flooring is it’s the real thing. If you want natural beauty, you’ll never go wrong with a hardwood floor. Because it’s solid, it’s easier to install and maintain for years to come. It’s one of the easiest flooring choices to sand and refinish. Plus, you can do it again and again, meaning with the right solid hardwood floor in place, it can last you for decades to come.

While it is easier to maintain and repair, hardwood is also softer than the two other types of hardwood. If you drop a heavy object on it, it can easily damage the floor. If you spill water on it and leave it for any length of time, it can swell and expand, causing warping and gapping. For this reason, you can’t use solid hardwood in moisture-prone places such as bathrooms or basements.

You’ll also find solid hardwood to have the largest price tag – it takes a lot to create solid hardwood planks.

Engineered Hardwood

Did the thought of solid hardwood flooring just take a step down from your desired flooring choice? Never fear, maybe engineered hardwood is for you.

Engineered hardwood is built in layers, with only the top layer containing real hardwood. The inner layers are built from plywood, fiberboard, and in some cases hardwood. The top layer is usually a hardwood veneer, but here’s where you create your style. This hardwood layer can be made from whatever hardwood material you desire – cherry, maple, oak.

Because engineered hardwood is made from several layers of materials, it has more flexibility in how it’s installed. If you have a slab subfloor or one made of concrete, engineered can be glued down.

But one of the best reasons homeowners turn to engineered wood is because it does better in moisture. If you’ve seen hardwood below-grade, in basements throughout the Front Range, chances are it’s engineered. That’s because it can stand up to dampness and perform quite well. It’s also a great addition to install over radiant heating – making it an even better choice in your finished basement.

https://pro-flooring.com/yes-you-can-have-wood-floors-in-your-bathroom/

You won’t have to worry about this buckling under pressure. And it costs less than solid hardwood, giving it an advantage in certain situations throughout your home.

Laminate Hardwood

Laminate flooring is one of the easiest to install. It comes in a tongue and groove system that makes it easy to click into place. Laminate contains a resin-based surface that is laminated to a wood-based core. It contains several layers of fiberboard and pressboard, installed over a protective backing. This isn’t a hardwood surface, instead, it’s created with a realistic photograph mimicking hardwood’s good looks. With today’s technology, it is very realistic.

Laminate is, in general, only one-third of an inch thick. It can easily be laid into place over other flooring options. That makes it a breeze for transitioning from one room to another if you aren’t using the same choices from room to room.

The biggest benefit is the cost. Installing laminate flooring can be as much as 50 percent less than solid hardwood. And for some homeowners, that is its biggest draw.

It’s also one of the hardest choices, being more durable and resistant to scratches because of its pressed wood materials.

However, laminate does not do well with moisture. This isn’t a product to install in your laundry room or bathroom. Any moisture can cause the layers to break apart, peel, and wear down.

Another issue with laminate is peaking. This is where two planks move together and create a raised surface area. Laminate is a popular DIY project. But if you install it incorrectly, if the glue isn’t put properly into place, or if there isn’t enough room between the flooring edges, peaking can occur.

So, what’s your choice?

With today’s technology, any of the three have their place in a modern home. It starts by asking some questions about your expectations, and making the decision based on your needs.

Where will I be installing my new floors?
Does one hardwood choice make sense over the other?
How durable do I expect my flooring to be?
How much maintenance am I willing to give it?
Am I planning on selling my home soon?
Do I plan to live in my home for decades to come?

With just a little planning, you can start to see one hardwood choice be better than another.

https://pro-flooring.com/the-easiest-ways-to-save-money-on-your-hardwood-flooring/

Still have questions? That’s what we’re here for.

Give us a call today. Better yet, stop by.

We can show you our complete line of hardwood, let you see and feel the difference between solid, engineered, and laminate hardwood, and help you make the right choice for your home.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
October 28, 2020

Yes, You Can Have Wood Floors In Your Bathroom

What’s the number one flooring request homeowners have when upgrading their homes? If you guessed hardwood, you’re correct.

Real estate agents across the US state that as they show buyers potential homes, they overwhelmingly want hardwood.

But as much as homeowners love hardwood, in some areas, it might not make sense. Traditionally, you’d never install hardwood in a basement, a laundry room, or a bathroom. Moisture and wood simply don’t mix.

With technology changing, upgraded polyurethane, and sealers promising more than ever before, is that still the case? If you’re creating the master bath of your dreams, for example, can you now install wood floors in your bathroom?

Look no further than manufacturers themselves for the answer. While they’ve been making huge strides towards tougher, more durable finishes, most will still caution you when using their flooring in wet spaces.

A good oil-based polyurethane sealer can do wonders for making your flooring more functional. It can seal cracks between the floor boards and make it harder for moisture to seep in. But you’ll never find a hardwood manufacturer adding “waterproof” to their features and benefits. Most will say “water-resistant” and only if you carefully follow manufacturer’s guidelines.

You have hardwood flooring throughout your home. It’s only natural you want to continue the look into your bathroom. You can, with a few things to consider:

Manufacturers will most likely challenge warranty claims on hardwood installed in a bathroom. Depending on the product you choose, it may even have warnings against it in the fine print.
If you do install hardwood in a bathroom, you can expect increased care and maintenance to go along with it. At least once a year, plan on reapplying a sealer designed for wet environments.
If you do have a splash or spill, wipe it up immediately. Take extra caution around areas where splashes or spills are a part of your normal routine.

Hardwood may not be the perfect choice for a family bathroom where kids love to play in the tub, or a space where saunas and moisture is the norm. But in a guest bath, an open concept master bath, or a powder room off the living space, hardwood may be the perfect choice.

Engineered wood flooring? Maybe not

Surprisingly, engineered hardwood flooring takes a backseat to more traditional hardwood for bathroom installation. Here’s why.

Engineered hardwood is created for ease of use. You’ll find it in planks for easy installation, made up of tougher layers to provide you with strength in more high traffic areas.

The problem with engineered wood flooring is the finishing work. You bring it into your home in plank format, lay it in place, and it’s finished. The problem is the boards slide together, without any sealing properties other than how they slide together. In certain areas of your home, that tight connection may be okay. But in a bathroom, the environment changes.

You close the door, humidity builds, and changes can occur in the way the planks come together. They shrink and expand, if only a little. That’s just enough to allow moisture to seep down underneath. It’s the perfect place for water to get down to the foundation and over time, rot out.

Hardwood is a better choice

When deciding between the two, natural hardwood will react in your bathroom spaces better than engineered wood. But pay attention to how it’s laid into place.

Instead of buying finished hardwood in plank format, choose to have unfinished wood, and stain it and seal it after it’s in place. This will allow the sealer to move between the boards, helping to seal every square inch of your flooring against spills and moisture.

As a bonus, polyurethane will also add a texture to your hardwood floors, giving it a slip-resistant feel. That can be an upgrade to a bathroom, where moisture is ever-present.

Again, care and maintenance will be a big part of your life. You should always wipe up excess moisture immediately, and apply more sealant on the boards frequently.

But wait, you have other choices

Luckily, you don’t have to stick with engineered or natural wood to get the hardwood look you love. Thanks to today’s technology, you have other choices waiting for you.

How about luxury vinyl tile? This isn’t the vinyl flooring you grew up with in your parent’s house. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is now one of the fastest growing floors in the flooring industry because of its looks and maintenance-free living.

LVT is waterproof – yep, you read that right. It can stand up to all the water your family dishes out.

And it looks good in the process. So good, that even experts have to take a closer look to determine its authenticity. What’s more, you can find it in a large array of colors, patterns, and textures. You can find one that matches or blends perfectly with your surroundings.

Not quite sure about installing vinyl in your home? That’s okay. We have another option for you: how about stone tile?

The magic of technology has impacted this market as well. You’ll find wood-look tiles cut and shaped to resemble hardwood planks. Yet when you install tile, you’ll get one of the toughest products on the marketplace. What’s more, we enjoy the fact that tile is the perfect flooring choice to sit over radiant heating. How about having a toasty warm floor as you get ready for the day? You’re going to love it.

Final thoughts on wood floors in the bathroom

If you’ve been dreaming about a house filled with hardwood flooring, keep dreaming. It’s possible.

Now it’s up to you to decide what way is best for you.

Should you install hardwood throughout, being careful to seal it properly on a regular basis?

Should you move towards an enhanced product, like luxury vinyl tile?

Should you use one of the latest trends, natural stone tile? Its realistic hardwood look will make you give it another look.

Good luck with your project. And enjoy your new floors! Whatever you choose, you’re going to love the look.

Flooring
October 25, 2020

Choose The Right Flooring For Your Home Office

This is the year millions of us will change the way we work forever.

Instead of driving into the office, spending hours a day commuting, many of us have shortened that drive time considerably. It’s now a matter of walking from room to room.

And while that might give you more hours in the day, it can also lead you to look at your house in an entirely new way. While your three or four bedroom home may have had ample space before, suddenly, you’re fighting for territory as you claim your area for a home office.

The good news is, people are being creative about where they work. While the extra bedroom might not be perfect, it has the space. If you need two home offices, you can always add one in the basement. Or maybe hire a contractor to add an extension. Or convert that old laundry room into the perfect home office suite.

You’re seeing your house in an entirely new way.

Once you select the right place, it’s time to decorate. You can add the personal touch that makes your home office cozier, more you.

And at the base is your home office flooring. Here are a few things to consider.

Carpet

Let’s start with carpet because it’s a great choice for a variety of reasons. It can help your space stay warmer in the winter, and even help with noise reduction. That can be a big plus if you have several people at home, working in front of the computer and talking regularly on Zoom calls.

Because home office space is often separated from other living space, it can have different flooring. If you prefer a more luxurious carpet selection in bedrooms or family living space, you might want to change up your options in your home office. Low pile is ideal for office environments because it’s easier for office chairs on wheels to move around. It also accommodates office furniture, including heavy computer equipment, without damaging the fibers.

A looped berber is ideal for a home office as they have a lower profile than other residential choices. If you select berber, consider a level profile where the loops are all the same size. This will avoid snagging as chairs and other equipment are moved across the floor.

You may also wish to move from residential to commercial carpet applications. Commercial grade carpet is designed for heavy traffic in an office environment. Since they are created with heavy use in mind, they will be a great choice for a work from home office space. They are typically low profile pile that handle well in a variety of situations. You can customize it to match the look and feel of your home, or step out and personalize it to blend with your company brand. This can work well if you have an outside entrance, and in the future, may consider bringing clients into your space.

One final thought about carpet. If you’re building a home office, chances are you’ll bring in computer equipment to help you function. That luxurious pile carpet may be perfect for the bedroom, but can cause problems in a home office. Especially here in Colorado where static can be a problem, it’s important to ensure that the carpet you select has a good anti-static treatment to help you out. While all carpets come with a standard treatment, you can upgrade and ensure it has enhanced anti-static guard. Commercial carpet often comes with added protection, something that may be important if you have an expensive setup or have experienced problems in the past.

Laminate

Maybe you want an upgrade from the look and feel of carpet for your home office floors. Maybe you think hardwood is the only way to go.

While hardwood can be a good choice, depending on what you do, it might also be a good time to look at laminate flooring.

It’s an affordable choice that allows you to create a variety of looks in your home. Laminate can take on the look of any hardwood floor, and even move into other styles and patterns, including stone and marble. That’s because laminate is a human created flooring choice that is built using several layers. It has a strong backing that can stand up well under pressure.

That means no matter how much you roll back and forth in your chair, your flooring will stand up to the pressure.

It’s a relatively maintenance-free flooring choice. With regular dusting to pick up tracked in dirt, and an occasional swipe of a damp mop to take care of more messy problems, your floor will continue to look its best

Luxury vinyl planks

Want the look and feel of hardwood while gaining the benefits of having waterproof flooring? Look no further than luxury vinyl planks.

What makes luxury vinyl planks a good choice is they come in a variety of styles, looks, and colors. Want an exotic dark hardwood? Or maybe a gray whitewash is more your style? You can find it all in luxury vinyl planks.

And the technology makes them so realistic, that even experts have to take a second look to determine it isn’t the real thing.

Yet you won’t trade in looks for functionality. Because of the technology used to create luxury vinyl planks, you can enjoy your flooring without worrying about spills. Their water-resistant backing means they’ll stand up to all you can dish out.

That means you can close the big deal without having to worry about the flooring.

It’s your home office, your style

Having a home office isn’t just about bringing your work materials home. It’s also about creating a warm and inviting space you’ll be happy to spend your days in.

Choose a desk that allows you to be creative.

Select functionality to match your personality.

Don’t forget the lighting; it’s an easy way to brighten your office space even on the darkest, dreariest of days.

And bring in your personal touches; it’s easier than ever before.

This is your workspace. Select your home office flooring to make it the best.

Flooring
October 16, 2020

What If The Flooring I Choose Is Too Trendy?

Are you renovating your home to add more space? Instead of a wide open family room, are you trying to find office and school space for every member of the family? Is your open concept no longer working for you?

Welcome to 2020.

Who would have thought last year that our entire vision of home design could change as fast as it has?

Yet as you are focusing on design, as you are coming up with ideas, you might also worry about your final choices. Is the flooring too trendy? Is the color going to fade right out of style? Because flooring is expensive, and once you have it installed, you hope it’ll last for a while.

We get that. That’s one of the biggest reasons homeowners procrastinate on making their final decisions.

Flooring costs a lot of money. The last thing you want is regret just a few short months or years after your flooring is installed.

That’s why we’re sharing this post. We help homeowners every day, just like you, finalize their decisions AND feel more confident in their selections. We know you’ll love your final choice, and keep on loving it for the long haul.

Let’s talk about timeless design

If something is timeless, it holds true for the long haul. The passage of time makes no difference on the results.

It’s no wonder that when a designer talks about timeless design, she’ll incorporate decor items that looked just as good in a home one-hundred years ago as it does today.

That’s why hardwood flooring works well. That’s why neutral colors are ever-popular. Because they’ll look as good today as they do decades from now.

Yet if you go back in time twenty, thirty, or even fifty years ago, certain styles were “in” or “popular” and those choices aren’t necessarily what’s “in” today. Shag carpet might have been all the rage, tile was perfect in certain rooms, even hardwood was used in certain houses, but it was different than it is today.

That’s because even if the concept is equal, our knowledge expands. We have new ways of creating fibers, we’re more adapted to creating “harder” wood. And that gives us a new perspective on what decor we select.

Defining your own classic design

If you want to avoid a flooring that is too trendy, there’s only one way to do it. It’s time to define what a classic, timeless design means to you.

Ultimately, this is all about the way you live, your lifestyle, and what you desire in a design. If you love open, airy, bright spaces, to tell you to install a dark hardwood floor wouldn’t work for you.

How can you tell that? Open up your favorite design magazine. Pull up Pinterest and start searching for decor. Or watch your favorite television show on the home and garden channels. What spaces do you naturally move towards?

Do you prefer light or dark spaces? Whitewash oak or dark cherry? Do you like neutral spaces with only a hint of color? Or are you born with “bright color” as your middle name?

If you aren’t sure what your design style is, it’s time to take note. We love Pinterest for that.

Head over to Pinterest and open an account. Then create a few pinboards to fill with ideas. If you’re remodeling a bathroom, start there. Fill one with kitchen ideas if you’re planning for a gourmet kitchen. And start pinning away. Even with just a few pins, you’ll start to see trends. You’ll see where your eyes gravitate, what your tastes explore. And you’ll quickly start defining your own timeless desires.

Is trendy all that bad?

Let’s head back in time to your parent’s home, filled with shag carpet. Maybe it was gold, brown, or green.

You can still find shag carpet today, and can even find shades of gold, brown, or green.

Yet today’s carpet is different for a variety of reasons. The fibers are treated differently. The padding is improved. While we once had no idea what volatile organic compounds (VOCs) even were, today we’ve put focus on reducing them.

Carpet is only designed to last up to ten years. That means if you purchase and install it today, change your entire decor to fit the space, you’ll have several years of loving the design space you’ve created.

If hardwood is more your thing, even hardwood can be changed. If you went with a more traditional oak a decade ago, you can refinish it today and add an upgrade. Lighten it up. Make it brighter. Add a whitewash. Or make it darker. If you choose a high quality hardwood, you can resand and refinish it up to ten times.

Think long term. Select quality over cost. Because no matter what your final selection, the most regret you’ll ever have is with an inferior product.

If the fibers wear down, if the hardwood cracks, if the vinyl fades and yellows, that’s when you’ll have your most regret.

But a good looking floor will add into your design, even if you paint the walls and bring in a new couch.

A flooring can’t be trendy if you love the look. A flooring offers timeless beauty if it fits your decor. No matter how you change up your space, add a new area rug, or bring in new wall paint, it will continue to create the space you ultimately desire.

Still worried about your flooring being too trendy?

Then we have a few final questions for you.

Is the flooring you are considering adaptable to many design elements? Your flooring should be the base for your overall design. If you can mix and match with ease, you’ve found your flooring choice.

Is it simple? Intriciate patterns and textures can move out of style more quickly. If you keep the design simple, flawless, it will stay in your heart for a long time.

Is this my taste? No matter where you are in life, you have personality and design. Something that makes you sit up and take notice. Something that makes you say YES all the time.

Take the time to define your style. Because once you do, it will shine through in everything you own.

The only way to be disappointed with your purchase is not to trust your gut.

What flooring choices are you leaning towards?

Carpet, Flooring
October 14, 2020

What’s That Smell? It May Be Carpet Mold

You can smell it from the moment you walk through the doors.

It’s a strong unpleasant odor that can only be described as musty. You know instantly it’s worth more investigation.

Because if it is carpet mold growing inside your house, it can have long-lasting impact on your health. Headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea are only some of the symptoms you may experience.

Carpet mold can be difficult to determine. That’s because it doesn’t always start on top, with the fibers, in a place you can see for yourself. Instead, carpet mold often starts at the base, with the backing where it can’t be seen until it’s too late.

If you’re saying to yourself: “It can’t be in my house. I haven’t had a spill or a flood.” While that may be true, the problem with moisture is it can show up in many ways, including following along baseboards or wallboards, and moving to places where it can’t be seen.

What causes carpet mold growth?

It seems like an easy question. If water is present anywhere in your home, it can start the process of growing mold … right? Not necessarily so.

A study by the Carpet and Rug Institute has studied carpet mold extensively. They found that mold doesn’t start growing just because the humidity levels are rising. New or clean carpets will not support the growth of mold, even at elevated humidity rates. What does cause carpet mold, however, is the presence of dirt.

That’s because carpet isn’t just a random set of fibers put together and sold as carpet. Instead, padding, backing, fibers, and the process used to create them have all been perfected to make a product that does well in your home. It takes high moisture, high humidity, combined with a high soil level within the fibers of your carpet to turn it into carpet mold.

That makes a case for keeping your carpets clean. Vacuum regularly and have them cleaned periodically to ensure your carpets will continue to do well throughout its lifespan. That can be a good thing if you’re considering adding carpet to your basement, with a below-grade installation.

Is carpet mold dangerous?

If you keep your carpets clean enough, they will be highly resistant to mold. Mold only grows in perfect conditions, when moisture meets dirt. Carpet mold grows in two conditions:

The dirt contains mold spores
The dirt contains moisture

Your carpet has to have perfect conditions, the dirt and moisture have to combine in order to allow mold to occur. Because dirt is a hygroscopic material, it effectively means it attracts what it needs to thrive. It picks up moisture to allow it to continue to grow. That’s why it’s important to keep dirt at bay.

Once your carpet has mold, it can impact you in different ways. As pathogens are released, they can be inhaled, and impact your health.

Allergies – dust mites are filled with bacteria. They can float, get in your system by inhaling them, and cause a variety of irritations, including watery and itchy eyes, and sneezing.

Asthma – if you are prone to asthma and other respiratory conditions, carpet mold can exacerbate the situation. It can be a hotspot for everything from dust mites to mold, which can increase the conditions you are experiencing.

Mycotoxin – over time, carpets can continue to harbor mycotoxins, which work to further weaken your immune system. If left in place for too long, an abundance of mycotoxin can even lead to death.

Rashes and infections – how many people traipse through your house each day? Is your house the house where the kids play? Do your pets love to tug and play … after they’ve walked the neighborhood? With continuous foot traffic, dirt can easily make its way from outside to inside, and ultimately drop into your carpet. That can easily leave behind bacteria and other contaminants that can contribute to common skin irritations. If that rash won’t go away, if your feet itch and you’re not sure where it’s coming from, look no further than your carpet.

How do you prevent carpet mold?

Luckily, it’s not a difficult process to ensure carpet mold stays away from your home. If you have carpet in basements and other potentially problematic areas, keep a few things in mind.

Watch your humidity levels. Remember, carpet mold only occurs when the conditions are right. Keep a close eye on humidity levels to ensure they stay below 65 percent. You can do so by running a portable dehumidifier, or installing a whole house humidifier system to ensure a comfortable living space. Leave windows and doors open to prevent build up of humidity. And above all, stick to a regular cleaning schedule to avoid dirt accumulation.

Control inside temperatures. As temperatures climb, it can bring on a humid environment. Ensure temperatures stay below 80 degrees by using a portable or central air conditioner, and watching the humidity levels to ensure they stay low as well.

Clean your carpets. While carpet manufacturers won’t provide you with a detailed step by step plan, they will tell you regular vacuuming and professional cleanings are mandatory to keep warranties valid.

Choose synthetic. You have choices when it comes to the carpet you select. For below-grade rooms, it might be better to stick with inorganic or synthetic fibers such as nylon or olefin. They are created specifically to handle better in moisture-prone areas, and won’t attract potential problems as easily as organic fibers such as wool.

How do I know if carpet mold has set in?

If you have an area in your home that is at higher risk, it’s important to inspect the entire area regularly. Things to watch for include:

Increased allergies or sickness – do you or a family member exhibit increased allergy symptoms that are otherwise unexplainable? Do you have symptoms that just won’t go away? It might be a sign of a problem.

Musty odors – does it smell funny when you walk into the room? Does the stale air linger day and night? It’s worth further investigation.

Damp carpet – any spill that sets for any length of time can lead to carpet mold.

Change in carpet color – walk through each room occasionally and pay attention to corners, along the wallboards, and other areas that may be hidden from view. Does the color or texture of the carpet change? It may be a sign of carpet mold underneath the fibers settling in.

If you believe carpet mold has settled in, it might be time to consider replacing it to give your house a clean slate. Whether you choose to replace it with new carpet, or explore other options – luxury vinyl planks are in high demand – we can help you select the right flooring for your home.

Carpet, Flooring
October 7, 2020

Synthetic vs Natural Carpet – What You Need To Know

When you start dreaming about your forever house, chances are you have some distinct thoughts that come to mind.

A gourmet kitchen? It’s a must.

A spa in the master bath? That’s on the wishlist too.

Maybe you’ve picked out the perfect colors – natural earth tones on the walls and floors mean you can use any color decor you choose.

Oh, and about the floors. You have thoughts about that too. Hardwood everywhere …

Hardwood is a popular choice here in Colorado. But if you’ve ever put your toes on a cold floor, you might be rethinking hardwood everywhere.

That’s where carpet comes back into play.

Carpeting is an excellent choice for many rooms in your home. In fact, the carpet and rug market is continuing to expand, expected to reach $138.44 billion in the next five years.

If you are thinking of installing carpet in your home, there are two distinct types of caret: synthetic or natural.

Synthetic includes nylon, olefin, and polyester. Natural carpet fibers include wool.

Which is better for your home? Let’s look at each of their characteristics.

Synthetic carpet

When a carpet is crafted from synthetic fibers, it’s created from materials not found in nature. They are human-made from different chemical compounds, bound together to create a carpet that stands up in all kinds of situations. Many areas, including commercial applications, prefer these materials because they handle well in all sorts of situations.

Let’s look at the three broad categories of synthetic carpet available on the market today.

Nylon

Chances are if you’ve installed a synthetic carpet in your home, there’s a good chance it falls into the nylon carpet category. That’s because nylon is synonymous with durability. Nylon carpet is sold under a variety of different brand names. For example, Stainmaster shot to the top of the charts in the mid-1980s. Even today, Stainmaster carpets are known for their lifetime limited warranty protection against common things homeowners face daily, including food and beverage stains, pet stains, soiling, and static shock.

That makes nylon a great choice for every room in your home, but especially the well-used, high-traffic areas where you spend time as a family. It also resists moisture and dries out quickly, so it is a good choice if you’re refinishing basement living space.

Olefin

Olefin is also known as polypropylene. It is a synthetic carpet fiber frequently used for outdoor rugs or area carpet where moisture or mold might be a problem. It shines in moisture-prone areas, but it won’t perform as well under high-traffic pressure. That makes it a better choice for basements, where it receives little traffic.

Olefin is one of the most inexpensive carpet options on the market. But because it’s also one of the least durable, you should expect to replace it more often. One of the notable downsides of this material is its low melting point. That’s one of the reasons you should consider other options if fire risk is elevated in any way.

Polyester

Polyester carpet fibers are listed on the marketplace in a variety of ways. You might see it as PET, or PTT, which is short for Polytrimethylene Terephthalate. While polyester carpet cannot match the durability of nylon, it does hold color well. If you want a carpet rich in color, or with fade-resistance qualities, polyester may be just what you’re looking for.

For some homeowners, the reason they move to natural carpet options is to create a more sustainable living space. If you are trying to increase green living, you might consider polyester carpet too. Polyester fibers often come from recycled plastic bottles, do a little research if this is important to you. While natural fibers occur in nature, polyester fibers are factory-made. But because they can be created from recycled materials, it can be a win-win if you want green living space.

Natural carpet

Natural carpet consists of materials you’ll find growing in nature. Materials are selected for strength and durability before being processed into fibers. While natural carpet is in the minority for carpet on the marketplace today, they still have a place in the carpet world, depending on your needs and tastes.

While there are several commonly used natural fibers for carpets and rugs, wool is by far the most common, and is almost exclusively used for broadloom, or wall-to-wall carpet. Other natural fibers, such as sisal, cotton, and jute, are too weak for broadloom fibers. Instead, they are used for area rugs, to complement your surrounding area.

Synthetic vs natural carpet, what’s the difference?

After learning the differences between synthetic vs natural carpet fibers, are you still trying to make up your mind as to which is better for the rooms in your home? Synthetic and natural each have their own characteristics that make them appealing. Which are important to you?

Eco-friendliness

If decreasing your carbon footprint and creating a more sustainable living environment is important to you, you might be leaning towards natural fibers. In general, natural fibers are more environmentally friendly. That gives an edge towards natural fibers, wool carpets might be your choice.

Because of how synthetic carpets are made, they can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Natural fibers will not release VOCs, however, if they are attached to a synthetic backing, it is still possible for them to have VOCs. In all cases, check with the manufacturer to determine what your final carpet choice is created from.

Stain-resistance

Synthetic fibers are naturally more stain-resistant. Because they are designed exclusively to thwart off potential stain-setting problems, the protective coating can be a great addition in busy households. Although wool has a natural protective barrier, once a stain penetrates that barrier, it can be almost impossible to remove the stain. For all that and more, it’s hard to beat the stain-resistance synthetic fibers offer.

Durability

This is the one area that is difficult to call a winner. Both synthetic and natural carpets are extremely durable and resilient to high-traffic situations. This is where it pays to understand your needs and speak with one of our sales representatives about your desires. We can help you make the right choice for your situation.

What’s the right choice for you, synthetic or natural carpet?

Carpet, Flooring
October 3, 2020

Want New Carpet? Consider These Carpet Trends

What a difference a year makes.

If you were thinking about remodeling your home last year at this time, you had certain goals in mind. Remodeling that same room this year would bring on an entirely different set of rules.

Who would have thought you’d be working from home? And not just for a day or two here and there, but possibly permanently?

Even if you have a large home, it might be feeling a little smaller these days. You and your spouse both need office space. You need work areas for your kids to go to school. And divide it up so you can work and play, and not get tired of the decor. That’s a pretty tall order for any remodeling project.

All of that home time has you dreaming about new carpet. After all, carpet is something you can dig your toes into. That plush feel makes you sit back and say: ahhh. Plus, on the coldest day of the year, won’t it be better to have warmth all around you, rather than stepping out onto a cold floor? For all those reasons and more, carpet is trending right here in 2020.

Carpet can also help with noise reduction. If your spouse is closing a big deal, your kids are reading and solving problems, and you’re trying to talk to your boss, that echo rattling around your living space isn’t going to help anyone concentrate.

Carpet is a natural noise reducer. Sound is transmitted through vibrations in air molecules. If you have a lot of hard surface area, sound is reflected back into the space. But with carpet, the individual fibers, pile, tufts, and underlay all have different frequencies to absorb sound. Sound is muffled within the carpeting, and prevents it from moving back throughout the room.

Tests show carpeting alone can reduce noise by as much as 35 percent. With the right padding, it can reduce noise by 50 percent or more. That means every step you take, every piece of furniture you move, every dropped book won’t have the impact as if it fell to a hardwood or tile floor.

Another reason why carpet is cool again

Many homeowners associate hardwood with cleanliness. And that’s also a big deal right here in 2020.

Yet today’s carpets aren’t what was installed in your parents or grandparents home. Carpet companies have kept up with the times. They make carpeting easier than ever to stay clean and look its best. They create it with fewer chemicals, lower VOCs. That makes eco-friendly options. They are equally concerned about making their product lines sustainable and economically friendly.

Are you thinking carpet is a great choice for your home? We agree.

And if you take a look at the options, we know you’re going to find one that suits your needs perfectly. The latest carpet trends are perfectly created for today’s busy homeowner in mind.

Choosing the right color for your carpet

When homeowners first start thinking about adding new carpet into their homes, they gravitate towards neutral colors.

Neutral colors will never go out of style. They make it easy to decorate and incorporate any color you choose. They give you a base from which to plan. Whether you choose beige, grey, or cream, a neutral carpet can create a solid base to continue with your design.

However, that’s not your only choice. And in fact, you can create a richer, deeper experience by moving into color.

Pantone’s color of the year in 2020 is classic blue. It’s a timeless and enduring blue that blends well with everything. The executive director of the Pantone Color Institute says it best:

We are living in a time that requires trust and faith. … Classic Blue provides an anchoring foundation. … Classic Blue encourages us to look beyond the obvious to expand our thinking, challenging us to think more deeply, increase our perspective, and open the flow of communication.

Doesn’t that sound exactly like what we all need here in 2020? Classic blue might just be the perfect color for your home office, bedroom, guest room, or family space. Especially when the room is pulling double duty, acting as a school or office room as well as living space.

Carpet trends also include textures

When most homeowners think about carpet, they tend to go with a short pile reminiscent of what they see in commercial spaces, or a plusher, higher pile many install in their bedrooms. Carpet is all that and much more.

Carpet texture refers to how a carpet looks and feels. In general, carpet is either a low pile made from short, tight loops of fiber. Or a longer, cut loop fiber that creates a softer, fluffier look and feel.

Some carpets combine these two piles, or are created from cut loops all at different levels. This gives a ribbed or textured look that can add depth to your room’s decor.

This is where it comes down to understanding your needs and desires. High traffic areas do better with low maintenance designs. A lower pile is often lower maintenance, and retains its look and shape no matter how much you walk on it. Cut piles and higher piles tend to do better in lower traffic conditions where they don’t show footprints as much as other types of carpeting.

Of course, it still depends on your personal choices and what you desire for your home. If you have questions, we have answers. After years in the business, we have guided many homeowners into selecting the right carpet style for their homes.

Additional carpet trends for 2020

Carpet is carpet, right? Not exactly. Because manufacturers are always looking for fresh new ways to meet their customers’ demands, there are many different ways to bring softness, warmth, and color into your home with carpet.

Area rugs
Carpet tiles
Handmade rugs
Recycled carpet
Wall to wall carpet
Sustainable carpet
Waterproof carpet
And more

What are your cares? What are your concerns? What are you looking for in a home design? What do you wish your space would look like?

The good news is there is a carpet trend waiting for you, ready to help you make your space your own.

And we can help make it a reality. Give us a call today.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
September 28, 2020

Dark Floors or Light Floors, Which Is Best For Your Home?

If you want to change the look and feel of your home, where do you start?

While a new couch or even a new shade of paint can make a big difference, the best place to start is with your flooring. Flooring sets the tone for your entire living space. And depending on whether you select dark floors or light floors, it will create a canvas you can continue to play up.

What’s the best choice: dark floors or light floors? Luckily, there isn’t a right answer. No flooring is perfect, each has its pluses and minuses. Only you can decide what’s suitable for your family.

But, if you’re trying to decide between the two, we’re here to help. We can offer some friendly advice, to help you make the best decision for your situation. Start with a few questions:

What do I prefer, dark or light floors?
What is the style of my home?
Do I have a busy household that makes maintenance-free living a necessity?
Do I have pets that add to the equation?
How often will I have time to clean?
How big is my home? How open are my rooms?
What flooring choice will go best with my decor?

Even with simple questions like these, you might start seeing one choice pull away from the other.

Let’s compare cleaning

Nobody enjoys cleaning – wouldn’t you rather spend time with your family and friends? If that’s the case, there’s a distinct winner in which type of flooring you should choose.

Light floors have a distinct advantage over dark. Light floors show less of the dirt on your floors than dark. If you have a large, messy household, light can help you conceal it longer.

If you still prefer dark floors, consider lightening the shade you choose. Satin finishes are also better known for showcasing dirt on the floor.

Of course, you can always just clean more. Make it a part of the family chores, and buy the appropriate tools so you can make cleaning a snap.

What about scratches?

If you’ve ever had hardwood flooring in your house, you know scratches are unavoidable. Its soft surface means that the more wear, the more you’ll have slight imperfections, dents, and scratches showing through the wood.

Yet dark hardwood tends to show scratches even more. This is because most hardwood species are lighter in color, and stained to achieve the dark wood look. When a scratch is placed on the surface, it takes away the dark pigment, allowing the lighter wood to shine through.

If you want dark floors, understand they will take more maintenance. Instead of pushing out the timeframe to refinish the color, with dark wood, it may need recoating every three to four years.

No matter what color finish you have, you can consider buying a stain marker. They make them in all kinds of colors, and help camouflage the scratch until you can refinish the entire floor. This is an easy way to mask imperfections and keep your floors looking good.

Are dark floors or light floors better for a small home?

In general, dark floors will make any space look a bit smaller, and light floors will make the space a bit bigger. However, there’s more to it than that. Color is often an optical illusion, and you can play with color on both the floors and walls to change the way a room looks and feels.

When you see layouts with dark floors, they tend to showcase well in larger homes or homes with open concept living. If you’re worried about your space being too enclosed, you can change up the look by adding in lighter colored walls, and increase the amount of overhead lighting. Don’t block out the natural light with heavy shades or drapes. Let the natural light flow in.

Let’s talk costs – is one more expensive than the other?

When you’re shopping for new hardwood floors, you’re going to find all colors across the various price points. No matter what color of stain you choose, there’s going to be a product for you to choose from.

That said, you should always focus on quality as it will help with both upkeep and maintenance down the road.

Costs also are determined by whether you install prefinished floors, or will be handling all of the finishing work after installation.

If you’re finishing on site, more natural colors are often easier and will be less expensive to stain. If you have a specific color, are trying to go with a gray or whitewash color, it can take more coats to achieve the desired results. It may also be more expensive for a specific type of polyurethane. Specific flooring often requires different coatings depending on traffic and use. Talk with one of our flooring specialists if you have specific concerns.

How to select the right color you’ll fall in love with

The world is now being driven by technology in every aspect of our daily lives, renovations included. Maybe you’ve found flooring in a magazine you love. Or maybe you’ve pinned a bunch of samples, and one color of flooring keeps surfacing again and again.

Yet when you see it in person, you’re just not sure it’s you.

It’s good to know that what you see in print or online isn’t always the way it appears in person.

It’s okay to like something online, and change your mind on it once you see it in person. Better yet, take a few selections home with you, and lay them out in your room. Which looks better with your design? Which makes you feel happier when you enter the room? Be sure to see it in all lighting conditions, morning, noon, and evening.

Bringing home samples can also help you choose undertones of a particular color. If you have red-toned furniture, it might not look right with yellower hardwood. After setting up one sample near your favorite sofa, you may settle on a color quickly.

And don’t forget, you can further change the impact of a room by adding an area rug. You can bring out the color of the hardwood, and blend it with your furniture.

Which is right for you: dark floors or light floors?

We can help you make a choice, install it, and love it for years.