Flooring Archives - Page 35 of 58

Carpet, Flooring
September 26, 2017

Selecting The Right Style and Texture For Your Carpet

With so many different styles and textures of carpet, where do you begin?

Loop pile is made from multi-level loops or tufts of equal height. The loop design means it’s a durable option for both residential and commercial applications.

Cut pile uses cut construction to create many different styles and patterns. This type of carpet construction usually creates different shades with combinations of big and small tufts of fiber. The height level varies depending on the design.

Plush or Saxony is a dense cut pile with all tufts going in the same direction. Yarn is closely packed, giving it a luxurious feel.

Cut loop provides yarn fibers that are sculpted to form patterns. You’ll usually find these at lower price points and are great for your informal settings.

Frieze is a type of texture with highly twisted tufts at the surface. It is especially well suited for higher traffic areas. It gives a curly fiber appearance and is very durable for wear.

Trackless is another popular style mad with curled or twisted tufts in random directions. This unique texture makes it easier to mask footprints and continues to look great in all settings.

Berber carpet is a loop pile option with thick yarn, such as wool. It has a comfortable feel and handles well in high traffic situations.

Your floors are the fifth wall of your rooms, connecting all other decor together. It’s important to consider color scheme as well as room use before making your final selection. Wall to wall carpet tends to expand the look and feel of a room. Light colored carpet makes your room look larger. Darker colored carpet can make a room seem more intimate.

What’s the right choice for you? Need a little help deciding? Stop by today.

Carpet, Flooring
September 23, 2017

What Makes Berber Popular

Berber carpet is popular because of its rugged good looks, its durability, and its economic cost. Berber is a high level loop weave of tight yarn loops that stand upright in a nubby texture. Berber makes a great choice for a busy, active household as it hides footprints and handles well under lots of activity. The loops are easier to clean than a cut-pile or plush carpet and hide vacuum marks in the process.

Berber style comes in many different fibers, including high end wool or nylon, polyester, or the less expensive Olefin and petrol-plastic. Because synthetic fibers like Olefin have made the costs less, it has become a popular option. But it is important to keep in mind that synthetic fibers can become saturated with dirt easier, which makes them wear out faster because they lose their fibers over time.

Wool and nylon may be more expensive in the beginning, but often stand up to wear and tear better over time. Natural fibers often clean and maintain their look far longer. They also have a lower flashpoint than their synthetic counterparts. What that means is if you drop something hot onto the carpet – an iron for instance – synthetic fibers will melt almost instantly. It can also be more flammable and spread fire more quickly to other areas of your home.

The looped weave of berber protects the carpet from accumulating dirt. It also helps trap the dirt once it’s there. That means you won’t have to vacuum your carpet as frequently as other types of carpet to still retain its good looks. That same trapping ability can also impact the look and feel of your carpet when it comes to liquid spills. Seepage can quickly accumulate below the carpet, so it’s important to react quickly when spills occur. A wet extractor is a preferred method for berber carpet cleaning. However, you should never allow too much liquid onto your carpet and go over it again and again to try and remove the stain.

When people think berber, they often think beige. With new stain-resistant fibers and improved dyeing techniques, there are now lots of options for you to select from.

Color isn’t your only choice. Loops are cut in a variety of styles, sizes, and patterns. You can find many different designs to compliment any look.

Keep in mind that berber installation is a little trickier than other carpets, because of the subtlety of the patterns within the berber itself. It’s often difficult to hide the seams if you don’t have experience in working with berber installation. Be sure to ask your consultant and ensure they have the requisite experience.

Flooring
September 20, 2017

The Perfect Flooring For Your Nursery

There are many things to worry about when you bring your bundle of joy home for the first time. You may spend hours considering the right colors, selecting the right furniture, even choosing the right fabrics that will be next to your baby’s skin.

But what about the flooring in your nursery? Are hardwoods too hard? Are carpets too messy? One search online will pull up a host of troubles with every potential flooring choice on the market.

With so much else to worry about, keep these tips in mind as you are making your selection.

Carpet

Carpet is soft, comfortable, and cushiony on the knees – a perfect combination as your baby starts to move around. Additionally, carpet is one of the best floor coverings for preventing dust and other allergens from becoming airborne. Just be sure to vacuum regularly to pull all dust away from baby’s delicate skin. And if natural products are a concern, you can never go wrong with carpets. There are many sustainable, low VOC options on the marketplace today.

Hardwood

Hardwood is classic, elegant, and easy to keep clean. Plus with the versatility of hardwoods, it will look appropriate at every stage of your child’s life. Wood floors are durable, but it’s important to note they will wear over time. Especially with the demands of a toddler as they learn to walk and begin playing with toys. Rugs are a surefire way to add a pop of color to the room while protecting the hardwood underneath.

Cork

Cork is anti-allergenic and anti-microbial by nature, making it a great choice for a nursery. It’s warmer and softer than wood flooring, which means it will cushion falls and feel comfortable under little feet. Cork is a favorable choice for parents that are looking for an eco-friendly flooring option. It’s also an excellent insulator, helping your home stay energy efficient in the process.

Looking for the perfect flooring for your nursery? Stop by today and see all of the options waiting for you.

Carpet, Flooring
September 15, 2017

Sanitary and Unsanitary Water Damage To Your Carpet

One of the most difficult situations facing any homeowner is knowing what to do with carpeting if you sustain water damage. There is no standard for dealing with every flooding situation. Every crisis must be considered based on the circumstances of the event.

A few questions can help you determine the next steps to take to return your carpet to its pre-flood status.

Sanitary Flooding
Sanitary water comes from a pure water supply, without chemicals or contamination mixed in. While many homeowners opt to replace carpeting in all situations, you can return your carpet to pre-flood status with a few necessary steps.

Keep traffic to a minimum until the carpet is completely dry. The carpet back is weakened when wet and can easily degrade with stress. That should go away once it’s dried. Remove all furniture or other items that can stain or damage the carpet during the drying process. Extract all excess water – a restoration company can help with this task. If you fail to do extraction in the right way, it can lead to several types of bacteria, including mold and mildew. Often the best route is to take up the carpet and replace the padding underneath to ensure a fresh start once the carpet is dry.

Unsanitary Flooding
If the water is identified as unsanitary, there are few options for saving the carpet. If the water intrusion is a result of water from some form of contamination, the water can be classified as unsanitary. That includes water from dishwasher overflows, toilet overflows with urine present, and other sources where pollutants and bacteria are present.

It is recommended that carpet and padding be replaced as soon as possible if there are bacterial concerns. Then proper cleaning should be performed to the area before new padding and carpeting are installed.

Black Water
Black water includes water that contains raw sewage. This is considered highly unsanitary and can cause serious health effects if not treated immediately.

When black water is involved, all floor covering materials should be discarded and all surface evaluated for proper treatment. The home or facility should take special precautions during the process to ensure the environment is returned to pre-flood conditions before it is inhibited once again.

Is it time for new carpeting in your home?

Flooring
September 10, 2017

Flooded Flooring When Should You Replace Everything

Have you had a flood in your home? Whether the toilet overflowed or what levels rose throughout your home, here’s what you need to know about replacing your flood damaged flooring.

The biggest factor is the kind of flooring you have.

Indoor carpet – you should remove it as soon as possible. Carpet and padding are too thick to dry after extreme flooding. If left on the floor, it can quickly allow mildew and mold to grow, which can cause buckling or even ruin your subfloor.

Outdoor carpet – if this is on a concrete subfloor, water damage might be held to a minimum. By sucking out the standing water and allowing it to dry thoroughly, you might be able to save the outdoor carpeting.

Hardwood – In most cases, a wait-and-see attitude works best. Work to dry out the flooring as quickly as possible. You might pull up a few planks once it is thoroughly dried to determine how the subfloor looks and feels. If any planks buckle due to moisture, don’t try to straighten them out until they are dry. Once everything is thoroughly dry, you might be able to strip and rewax your hardwood and return them to as good as new.

Vinyl – check for moisture bubbles underneath the floor. If there are any water pockets below the flooring, remove and replace the flooring once the subfloor is completely dry.

With any flooring, the key is in cleaning the area from top to bottom. Mold growth can cause major health problems, so quick and thorough cleaning is the key to keeping the mold at bay, and your family safe and healthy.

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring, Vinyl Floors
August 23, 2017

How Long Does Vinyl Plank Flooring Last

Are you thinking of installing vinyl in your home? Before you make your final selection, you may want to consider the longevity of what you will be installing. Every material has pros and cons, and what you select is often at the intersection of affordability, durability, and aesthetics.

Today’s vinyl flooring options can meet all three of those requirements, which is why its a popular choice. Vinyl plank flooring has grown in popularity because of it’s ability to look like the real thing, while giving you the affordability and durability you’ll love.

The longevity of vinyl plank flooring depends on the thickness and the wear layer of the product you are purchasing. Some of the thicker vinyl floors on the market come with warranties for up to 25 years. If you are using a thin vinyl, you’ll most likely get a wear life of somewhere between 5 and 10 years with normal use.

Vinyl plank is designed to resemble hardwood, and it comes in strips in much the same fashion as a hardwood alternative. You can find this product in a number of looks and styles, each mimicking a specific type of wood. Because it is designed to imitate hardwood, you’ll find a version that matches your home’s decor.

Vinyl plank has many advantages over its hardwood counterparts.

Because many models are backed with a felt product, when installed it provides a softer floor with more give. That means less breakage when things are dropped, which is good news for plates and glasses in the kitchen.

Vinly floor is water resistant, making vinyl plank the perfect choice in kitchens and bathrooms. In fact, vinyl is better at sealing against water damage, so it’s especially durable in basement locations.

Vinyl plank can be installed directly on your subfloor, which makes the process quick, cost-effective, and easy to handle.

And because vinyl is one of the easiest surfaces to maintain, it’s a wise choice in a busy household with lots of foot traffic.

Keep in mind that while vinyl will hold up for many years, it can be damaged quite easily. Avoid moving heavy furniture around, which can result in scuffs and gouges. If any particles are left beneath during installation, it can create bumps or warps in your floors. And keep in mind that vinyl does little to add to the resale value of your home.

But in the right location, it can be the perfect choice for your home. Want to see our complete selection of vinyl plank? Stop by today.

Carpet, Flooring
August 22, 2017

Enhance Your Carpet With The Right Carpet Padding

Carpet cushion – carpet padding – is the foundation for every carpet installation. While it plays an important role in the life of your carpet, it’s important to remember that padding and carpet work together in staying in great shape. The old adage that if you have to choose between high quality carpet or high quality padding, go with the padding isn’t true. Carpet padding and carpet selection should always work hand in hand, complementing one another for the longest life possible.

Some retailers buy carpet padding in bulk, and therefore recommend carpet padding based on what they have in stock. Don’t let this impact your final decision. If a retailer doesn’t explain how the two work together, find a retailer who does.

Many assume carpet padding is used for comfort under foot, this is only partially true. Carpet padding is used to absorb impact that the carpet would otherwise be subjected to. The impact can cause a breakdown in the fibers, backing to stretch, separation of the primary backing from the secondary backing, and unnecessary stress on the construction of the carpet. The best performing carpet padding will provide less comfort under foot, yet extend the life of the carpet by absorbing the abuse.

Don’t make the mistake of selecting a padding based on softness or thickness.

Carpet padding that is too soft bottoms out with heavy foot traffic. This can shorten its life and performance. Carpet padding is often rated by weight per cubic yard. Yet the actual weight has little to do with performance and more to do with the materials. The ultimate performance factor is how many pounds per footfall area will it take for the carpet padding to bottom out.

Carpet padding that is too thick can allow the carpet to have performance problems. A thicker carpet padding can prevent the carpet from adhering to the tack strip. The carpet industry has established a recommended thickness of 7/16 inch, but you should never go over ½ inch. A ½ inch carpet pad will still provide adequate cushion while allowing the carpet to adhere properly to the tack strip along the walls.

There are many types of carpet padding:

Waffle rubber – it has a waffle texture created with filler and air

Urethane foam – it’s available in a variety of densities and thicknesses

Bonded urethane – this is the most common type of carpet padding sold today

Flat rubber – this is the ultimate in luxury but is difficult to find

Fiber cushion – is primarily used to take advantage of scrap fiber

What questions do you have about the performance of carpet padding?

Flooring
August 14, 2017

4 Things To Consider When Transitioning Flooring

How many different flooring styles do you have throughout your home? Most homes have a variety of flooring styles, from carpets in the bedrooms, to hardwood in the living room, to tile in the kitchen.

Without transitional flooring, multiple flooring styles can lack flow-through from room to room. Transitioning flooring bridges the gaps between different flooring types, making it look natural and stylish.

Here are a few things to consider when shopping for flooring.

Find the right spot for transitioning

Especially in open concept floorplans, there often isn’t a distinct transition from room to room. This can be especially difficult if you choose to move from tile to hardwoods, between a kitchen and the living space. Often transitions are placed where they make the most sense. How do you live within the floorplan? Are there natural breaks for your lifestyle? Do you want the tile to extend into the breakfast area where you have a kitchen table? Or do you want the tile to only exist in the confines of where you cook your meal? Don’t be afraid to play with shape. Separate floorings subconsciously designate different space. So you can create transitions simply by the placement of the flooring.

Mix the right way

Just like you would never mix colors and patterns in your fashion choices, your flooring should never mix floor patterns and styles as well. If you want tile in the entryway to flow into the hardwood throughout your living space, choose colors that harmonize well. Think about hues and textures. Don’t try to mix too many patterns and shapes at once. If you want detailed tiles with colorful mosaics, don’t mix it with parquet hardwood. Too much movement will overwhelm the senses. If you’re going with soft, fine-grained hardwood, choose calm, plush carpeting that won’t overwhelm. You want your transitions to complement, not compete.

Carry the theme

How would you describe the theme of your home? Country? Beachy? Modern? Don’t forget this as you transition from room to room. You may choose to have the ease and durability of a luxury vinyl in your kitchen, transitioned to carpeting in your family room. Be sure the mood carries between the two in your decor and your furniture choices. A lack of transition will make you feel like you’re walking into a different house entirely.

Explore your options

With so many flooring choices available today, it’s easier than ever to create any look you choose. Tile is always a good choice, with its many colors, patterns, sizes, and options. Combine tile with woods in different colors and styles. You can even transition with floor pieces in different sizes and styles. Hardwood laid perpendicularly to the rest of the flooring can create an interesting look. Mosaic edges can also add sophistication. With today’s options, the possibilities are virtually endless – all it takes is a little creativity to let your personality shine through.

Flooring, Tile Floors
August 12, 2017

Floating Floors – How About Tile?

If you’re looking for a convenient approach to DIY flooring, you’ve probably stumbled upon floating floors.

In general, a floating floor is any material – wood, laminate, or ceramic – that is not attached to the subfloor. Individual pieces are attached laterally to themselves.

This doesn’t mean the floor is structurally unstable. Floating floors are installed in millions of home and work perfectly well.

Floating floors usually use a “click and lock” system that allow you to connect the pieces by the sides. You link them one after another and slide them into place. They work well for wood and laminate products; not so well for ceramic and porcelain tile.

There are new products that are entering the market that offer the ease of snap and click with the beauty of tile. The benefits include:

Zero mortaring
No spacing problems
No waiting for mortar to dry
An easy base to install and rest the tile on

The biggest disadvantage is the ease of cracking. Mortar provides a solid base for the tile. Without that, hollow spaces can exist and allow the tile to crack easier. It also doesn’t take away some of the installation processes.

You still need to grout the tile
It cracks easier, especially when it involves heavy objects such as refrigerators
Limited colors and styles

It all comes down to knowing your space.

Tile has the possibility of lasting for years, decades in some circumstances. If you install it properly, it can offer timeless beauty for years to come.

Tile pros have no problems handling mortar; it’s something they do every day. They know how to regulate the flow across the room, how to properly space the tiles, and how to complete the finishing work for a strong flooring choice.

What questions do you have about adding tiles to your home?

Carpet, Flooring
August 8, 2017

What To Know About Carpet Stretching

If you have carpeting in your home, you may benefit from having your carpet stretched. Carpet stretching is a process that involves pulling the carpet tighter and resecuring it to the anchor strips located along the perimeter of the room.

In most cases, if a carpet is professionally installed, it will be tightly secured against these strips initially, but over time it loosens. Stretching can extend the life of your carpet and take away potential hazards.

Why stretch your carpet
Like anything, carpets change as they age. In high traffic areas, the carpet can pull away from the tacking strips that anchor it to the subfloor. In some cases, seams between strips of carpeting may also come apart. Sometimes the tacking strips can become damaged and no longer perform as well as when it was new. And as it ages, carpet fibers wear out, stretch, and loosen. While it might not be worn out, it can reduce the aesthetic appeal of your room. It can also increase the safety concerns and make certain areas of the room more prone to tripping.

Does your carpet need stretching?
There are some obvious signs a carpet should be stretched. You may notice that your carpeting appears to be wrinkled, rippled, or lumpy in spots. Carpet should lay flat and smooth across any floor. You may also notice that it’s pulled up along the edges of the room. It should have a tucked in appearance without carpet fibers poking up along the baseboards.

Why timing is everything
When carpets show signs of needing stretching, timeliness is everything. The more wrinkled or relaxed it becomes, the more of a tripping hazard it creates. That can be especially dangerous for active houses, or homes where elderly live. If carpeting doesn’t lay flat, it may also snag and develop other signs of damage. It can wear unevenly and decrease the lifespan of your carpet.

If you believe your carpets need stretching, the best way to move forward is to contact a professional carpet installer. They can help you determine if stretching is necessary or beneficial. They can determine which methods will correct the problem best. For example, reseaming a carpet may be all that is required.

Remember, carpet restretching takes on a considerable amount of strength and energy. It also requires the right tools for the job.