How To Install Flooring in an Open Concept Design

If we’ve learned anything so far in 2020, it’s that everything can change on a dime. Where once everyone was selling their big homes and selecting a smaller, urban dwelling instead, today we’re realizing that might be a thing of the past. One article stated that as much as one-third of Americans are considering moves to less densely populated areas. Urbanites are twice as likely to have surfed real estate websites, dreaming of changing homes.

Whether you’re looking for a new home, or are considering remodeling the one you currently own, open concept design is still as popular as ever. And there are many reasons for that.

Open concept design allows:

  • Better traffic flow – without doors, people can move throughout the space unhindered
  • Improved communication – family members aren’t isolated in their own spaces
  • Shared light – you’ll have fewer dark spots in your living space
  • Easier with kids – ever tried to watch small children while cooking dinner? It’s much easier in an open concept design
  • Flexibility – without predefined walls, you can use the space however you choose – whatever works best for you

How To Install Flooring in an Open Concept DesignChances are if you’re reading this, you’re already sold on the concept.

But there’s something a little more difficult about it when it comes to decorating. How do you install flooring in an open concept design?  Are you resigned to staying with the same flooring throughout? Or is there a way to section off space and incorporate different materials?

Should flooring be the same throughout the house?

This is probably one of our most asked questions. And our response is always the same: it depends.

There isn’t a design rule that says you have to use the same flooring throughout. It’s a personal choice.

  • What do you prefer?
  • What is lifestyle like?
  • Are you creating your forever home?
  • Do you care about resale value?
  • What about functionality?
  • What does your gut tell you to do?

That said, we do have a few design rules we share with all of our customers.

Stick with one material wherever possible 

We’ve all seen (or possibly lived in) a house with patchwork flooring. You enter to tile, follow the path to a different floor in the kitchen, wood in the family room, and carpet in the living space. Some homes love carpet so much, it’s everywhere. But to save on wear marks, they create pathways made of tile, using it to meander throughout the home.

It rarely works.

Whenever possible, stick with one flooring. The more open concept your house is, the more you should focus on using one flooring material.

And it’s not that difficult to choose. Here in Colorado, you can’t go wrong with hardwood. And the great thing with hardwood is you have unlimited options. Hardwood comes in more traditional styles like oak, or move to exotic with something like Brazilian cherry. If you’re worried about using hardwood in an active home, there are solutions for you. Try laminate. Today’s laminate offers a variety of pros that will make you fall in love with this product. If you want something even more care-free and durable, try luxury vinyl planks. They look so real, thanks to technology, even experts in the industry have to get up close and personal to see it’s not real.

But I really want to separate flooring materials

There may be instances that call for using two different types of flooring. In these cases, even with an open concept design, you’ll probably transition flooring due to different activities on each space. Maybe you need the durability of tile, mixed with the beauty of hardwood. Look for natural divisions of spacing, and use the material to showcase that specific space.

Yet we also invite you to dig a little deeper. Why are you hesitant to using the same flooring throughout?

One of the biggest reasons we’ve noticed is when families question using hardwood in kitchens. People almost always love hardwood throughout the living space. But they understand how difficult hardwood can be near moisture and water. With small kids, messes can be an every day occurrence. Do you really want to worry about warped wood just a few weeks after it’s installed?

Only you know your family. And if you have concerns over the durability of a material, you won’t truly be able to enjoy your living space. Voice your concerns and we can show you alternatives.

The key to transitioning well is to create a uniform look as much as you can. Stick with the same colors and hues. Luckily, with today’s product lines, you can do so, creating a similar look with tile that you can get with hardwood. We’ll show you how.

It’s about looks, it’s about lifestyle

At the end of the day, this is your home, and only you can decide your decor options.

Still, we encourage all of our customers to think about harmony as they finalize their decision. Choosing a neutral color palette allows you to play with color using other design elements. It’s easier to repaint than it is to install new flooring. It’s less expensive to buy a new chair than new flooring.

If you select neutral flooring in an open concept design, it gives you the perfect foundation you need to create any look you desire. You can be as wild and crazy as you like with rugs, furniture, and artwork, knowing you can change your mind easily at any given moment.

We also know that in every home, you’ll have some areas you use a lot, and other areas that are used infrequently. That means heavier wear in areas like the kitchen, while a formal dining room may see feet only once a week at most.

Some homeowners want two separate flooring products. They know it’s important for the way their family lives. And if that’s your case, by all means select the products that work best for you.

Other homeowners choose to use one product, and strategically place area rugs to minimize potential problems. That works too. But again, it depends on your needs.

It’s about getting the right flooring for your open concept design

We get that you only pick out new flooring a few times in your lifetime. We help homeowners just like you every day.

If you need more guidance in order to create a living space you love now and years into the future, let’s chat. Our knowledgeable team can help you choose the right flooring product for your needs.

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2 Reasons to Visit our Showroom Before Picking Flooring

Residential Flooring DenverWhen you are searching for residential flooring in Denver, whether it is for your living room or hallway, you should trust the team at PRO! Flooring Brokers to help you select the right type of flooring for your exact project. Listed below are two out of the many reasons you can rely on our knowledgeable team members.

Different Type of Flooring Options

From carpet to hardwood and everything else, our showroom has everything you are looking for when it comes to residential and commercial flooring. We have a variety of luxury vinyl, carpet, hardwood, porcelain tile and stone, and laminate, so you can pick the option that is right for your home and family. If you are unsure which type of flooring is ideal for your needs, our staff will discuss the benefits and disadvantages of each style.

See Flooring Options in Person

Looking at flooring in a picture and looking and flooring in person are two different things. You might love the flooring option in the picture, but not in real life. Many times people fall in love with flooring in person where a photo does not do it justice. One of the main benefits of visiting our showroom is being able to see everything up close.

We suggest our clients take samples home with them, so they can see the product in their light and next to their furniture prior to purchasing. Schedule a time to tour our showroom by calling (303) 788-0113 right now.

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What’s The Best Flooring For A Home Gym?

Bringing a gym into your home means you have an easier time sticking to your health plans. But converting a room in your home to a gym isn’t as easy as bringing in a new piece of equipment.

There are a wide variety of floor covering options available to ensure both safety and functionality. The four most popular flooring options for use in a home gym are carpet, rubber, foam, and vinyl. Each has their own benefits and drawbacks; which is right for you?

CarpetWhat’s The Best Flooring For A Home Gym?

The perfect carpet for your gym isn’t plush fibers. Instead, think carpet tile. It’s all-purpose, relatively inexpensive, comfortable to the touch, and fairly easy to clean and maintain.

Select low pile. Berber style often makes a good choice. Commercial grade carpet also works well in home gyms. Carpet tiles make it easy to install with interlock install, and be laid into place even as a DIY project. The tiles also give you options and flexibility when you need to replace.

Rubber

Rubber flooring comes in both rolls and tiles with a wide range of thicknesses and color options. They are also one of the least expensive flooring options available.

Rubber can be easily installed, especially if you install with tiles; it makes a great DIY project for your weekend. It’s easier to clean and care for than carpet, as you can clean just about anything with a damp cloth or a vacuum. It also has antimicrobial qualities, and won’t harbor mold, fungi, or mildew growth. It also provides a quiet atmosphere to keep your home quiet during workouts.

Foam

Foam is often sold in tiles or mats. You’ll often find them in puzzle lock tiles that can be installed in minutes by a DIY homeowner.

Like rubber, they are low in cost and easy to maintain. They provide cushion and comfort for every workout routine. Many homeowners choose them because of the color, style and pattern options. You can incorporate any look you desire into your home gym.

Vinyl

Vinyl also comes in sheets and in tiles, giving them flexibility for installation. If you select tile, they interlock together just like foam flooring, making them super easy to install. They also have cushion and flex, giving the final appearance of a rubber floor.

They are easy to clean; just use a damp mop or sweep. Vinyl is extremely resistant to mold and mildew growth, and fights away most chemicals. That makes them a perfect choice if oil or solvents may be present, such as in a garage or basement.

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8 Ways To Be Excited About Adding Tile To Your Home

Tile is one of the most versatile decorating items you can add to your home. You’ll love both its functionality as well as its durability.

What’s more, you can add it to your home in many different ways.

Location, location, location. 

Pick an area in your home that gets a lot of visual attention. Then let your imagination go wild. Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, even patios and outdoor living spaces can change with the addition of tile. Stay subtle or add a pop of color. With tile, anything is possible.8 Ways To Be Excited About Adding Tile To Your Home

Use tile as borders

A great way to further enhance a room is by selecting a different tile as a border. It can help catch the eye and direct it to other parts of your room. A small mosaic can be the perfect way to enhance larger tiles. Or a splash of color can add drama to a space. They also allow you to separate rooms when you’re in a larger living space. It can help tie your entire look together.

Add in accents

Tile comes in almost any color, style, shape, or size you can imagine. While you might prefer a solid look running throughout a room, why not accent different aspects of your room? Make your tile stand out behind your cooking range. Add metal-look tiles for special effects.

Focus on natural light

Like many of your decor features, tiles change based on the light. Natural light can make your tiles look brighter, whereas spots can put focus on special accents. Take into account where your natural light is coming from and keep your most dramatic effects on the parts of the room you use most.

Select the right grout

It’s not all about the tile; your grout plays a part in the overall design too. Grout serves as the glue that holds your tiles together. Although it’s installed after your tiles are in place, it can leave a lasting impact on the overall look of the space. Should it stand out or blend in? One of our consultants can help you decide the perfect look for you.

Symmetry … or not

The position of your tile is equally as important as the shape and style. Not all layouts have to be perfectly symmetrical. Diamond shapes, geometric patterns, and more can be used to enhance your space. It can also help make your space larger or smaller than it seems.

Textures and finishes

Think all tiles are smooth to the touch? Think again. Tiles come in many materials and can provide a variety of textures and finishes to your space.

Add uniqueness to your space

Tile can be vibrant and colorful or natural and subdued. When it comes to your final design, you can play around with different combinations and add just the right amount of personality to your room.

From floors and walls to backsplashes and countertops, tile is the perfect material to use in many different rooms in your home.

Where can you add tile and make your room come to life?

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Prepare For Carpet Care When You Buy

Flooring isn’t something a lot of us think about on a regular basis. If you have carpeting throughout your home, you vacuum it. You may also occasionally have it professionally cleaned. But outside of that, it’s probably something you take for granted.

However, to keep your carpet in top condition and ensure a long life, it’s important to keep records for future use. Should your carpet have a problem, these records will be invaluable to ensuring success in finding a solution. It doesn’t take much, but in your records keeping system, make sure you keep the following information:Prepare For Carpet Care When You Buy

Carpet Manufacturer
Manufacturers stand behind their products. However, carpets don’t come with labels that tell you who the manufacturer is. Some carpet warranties may be valid for years after purchase. Should you encounter problems, being able to connect directly with your manufacturer can eliminate time and guesswork. Additional, manufacturers are there to help answer any questions you may have involving cleaning recommendations, warranties, and other useful information.

Carpet Style Name, Number, and Color
It’s important to know all of the details on the final carpet choice installed. This included the carpet manufacturer style name, number, and color number. Some carpet retailers change these numbers based on their own bookkeeping requirements, so it’s important for you to have access to both.

Carpet Reference Number and Date
It is a good idea to keep the original invoice for the carpet retailer on hand. This can give you access to the date it was installed, which sometimes can help a manufacturer identify the lot and actual carpet style name and number. This invoice acts as the initiation date for many warranties and is often required to prove purchase.

Carpet Installer
Depending on your purchase, your installer may or may not be linked to the carpet retailer. While the retailer is responsible for the quality of work subcontracted, it is recommended that you know the carpet installers name should you need routine repairs.

Carpet Pad
Some performance warranties may require specific carpet pad type or maximum thickness for validity. Keep this with your invoice to ensure you meet all requirements.

Carpet Warranty
At the time of purchase, you should receive printed materials for the carpet warranty outlined by the retailer. If any promise or implied warranty is stated by the retailer, ensure you have a copy with the invoice. Be sure to read the hard copy before you install to ensure you understand the finer points of the warranty.

Carpet Care
Most warranties are only valid if you provide proper care. Some carpet manufacturers require proof of regular carpet cleaning as a part of their warranty. It’s helpful if you have this information to keep you on track with your maintenance process.

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Spring Cleaning – Caring For Your Floors

Sometimes the winter seems never to end. But when milder days begin to appear, and we finally get the chance to open up our homes to fresh air, you may begin to see the effects winter had on your floors.Spring Cleaning - Caring For Your Floors

Dust, dirt, water puddles, and salt from the winter months can cause scratches that will eventually damage your floors. While you may be in the habit of cleaning up all messes quickly, the harsh winter elements can leave harmful residue behind. Now is the time to give your floors a good cleaning.

The sealing on your hardwood floors will determine what cleaning products you can safely use. Visiting your local big box store is not the place to look for cleaning products. Instead, start with your hardwood floor manufacturer. Often the products recommended by the manufacturer are not the cheapest. But because they know what materials were used in production, they also understand the safest way to keep your floors looking their best.

Before you begin, ensure the floor is clear of clutter. Move any furniture that is easy to move. Remove stacks and other items that may cause water to puddle or hide dust and debris.

Dry mop or vacuum the floor. This gets rid of all surface dirt and debris, and ensures these tiny particles will not scratch the surface of your hardwood.

Then mop the floor, going with the grain. If your floors are polyurethaned, dampen a mop with water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. You can also use a combination of vinegar and water for a quick cleaner solution.

Allow to dry thoroughly before putting furniture back into place. Ensure all puddles are wiped up immediately. Then buff with a clean cloth.

Using the wrong chemical based product can cause more damage and result in needing a complete floor refinish, which is a far more costly and time consuming process.

What’s the right solution for your hardwood floors?

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Choosing Flooring For Your Exercise Room

Ready to update your home and create an exercise room? Choosing the best floor for exercise rooms can be difficult; after all, there are a lot of decisions to make that will impact how well the flooring reacts.

Choose the wrong flooring material, and it’ll begin showing wear and tear early on. Your investment can quickly disappear if heavy equipment causes damage.

So what should you choose?Choosing Flooring For Your Exercise Room

First, assess your workout patterns
Will you be bringing in the latest equipment? Will you have a treadmill and weight lifting machines in place? Or will your home gym be a place for yoga and aerobics? Different types of workouts cause different types of stress on your floors. Your flooring should reflect the type of abuse it will receive for best results overall.

Laminate
Laminate can be a good choice if you will be doing light workouts every day, such as yoga, skipping, or dance related exercise routines. Be sure laminate is sealed properly and wipe up any spills immediately to prevent warping and damage.

Rubber Vinyl Tiles
Vinyl comes in all kinds of styles, patterns, and materials. You can find rubberized tiles that have padding and give, that will help ease joint tension as you move through your routine. These flooring materials can be great additions to an exercise room where you’ll be using weights on a regular basis. Consider adding extra support if you’ll be doing CrossFit, or other rigorous exercise programs.

Foam
Foam tiles are another gym friendly option. They come in a wide range of colors and styles, and can add a bit of color to your routine. The only downside is they can dent easily, especially if heavy equipment is placed on it for any length of time.

What are your requirements for an exercise room? What look are you trying to achieve? We can help you find the perfect flooring choice for you.

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6 Signs Your Carpet Needs Replacing

Although proper maintenance can extend the life of your carpet, every carpet will eventually need replacing. Some of the signs may be obvious; others may be subtle indicators.

If you’re looking at home maintenance projects for the fall and wondering if it’s time to replace your carpet, consider the following six signs that it may be time for an update.6 Signs Your Carpet Needs Replacing

1. Carpet Stains
The first one is always the hardest; that tough stain that made you cringe when it happened. But over the years, each spill becomes a little easier to take. And when you live in your home, sometimes you overlook the obvious; that your carpeting isn’t really looking its best anymore. Most carpets come with a stain resistant finish. But, over time, the treatment fades and eventually leaves the carpet unprotected. While professional carpet cleaners know how to remove tough stains, eventually they begin taking their toll.

2. Wear and Tear
Every home has certain places where you walk more than others. Down the hallway. Around the couch. Eventually, you try to cover up the wear marks by moving the furniture or buying a new rug. Fibers won’t last forever; eventually no matter how much you clean it or vacuum it, it won’t return to its original look. That’s when it’s time to replace.

3. Stinky Carpet
Carpet goes through a lot in a day. Your kids play on it. Your pets track in things from the outside. You walk on it with shoes. You spill. And every little thing that happened can leave a residue. You may notice a lingering smell that just won’t go away, no matter what you do. If that odor doesn’t go away even after cleaning, it may mean that the odor has penetrated deep into the carpet fibers or beyond to the padding or subfloor. It may even be an indicator of mold or mildew.

4. Carpet Padding
Your carpet doesn’t work on its own; to perform at top quality it must have top quality padding. Padding provides the support for the carpet, working as a foundation, making it comfortable to walk and lay on. It also helps insulate the room, making it quieter and warmer. As the padding takes in spills and absorbs the constant daily action your family gives it, it can begin to wear. If you’ve noticed unevenness, wrinkles, or a crinkling sound, it may be time to replace.

5. Increased Sickness
Does your family circulate through colds and allergy-like symptoms? Older carpets can catch and retain more allergens and particulates than other flooring choices. If they haven’t been properly maintained, many things can be lurking in your carpets. If you notice an increase in sickness, one source may be your older carpet.

6. Age
Is your carpeting right out of the 1970s? Do you still sport shag carpeting in some of your rooms? Have you cleaned it over and over … and over again? Carpeting won’t last forever. Even with good care, most manufacturers recommend replacement every ten years or so. After ten years, signs of wear will begin to show. And that’s when it’s time to replace.

Are you in the market for new carpet?

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Should You Install Engineered Bamboo Flooring?

Engineered bamboo flooring has become a popular choice throughout the Denver metro area. It’s durable, environmentally friendly, and looks incredible in the process.Should You Install Engineered Bamboo Flooring?

But just like all other flooring choices, there are pros and cons to using bamboo within your home. It depends on where you’ll be installing it. It depends on your lifestyle.

Is it the perfect choice for you?

Pros:

Cleaning – bamboo floors clean up easily. If you’ve ever had hardwoods in your home, bamboo requires a similar amount of work. Use a dust mop for daily cleaning. Avoid heavy cleaning products or water, as these can damage bamboo’s finish.

Easy installation – just like hardwood flooring, bamboo floors are easy to install. You can install it through a lock and click system, by nailing it or gluing it into place. How you install it depends largely on the type of bamboo you’ll install, and the subfloor it will sit on. A floating system is very easy for DIY projects.

Health friendly – engineered bamboo flooring is non-allergenic, making it the perfect flooring choice for people with medical issues, including allergies or asthma.

Green – bamboo crops can be regenerated in 5 to 7 years, making it more environmentally friendly than hardwood trees which can take 20 or more.

Cons:

Moisture – bamboo is more water resistant than hardwoods, but can still warp with extended exposure to moisture. If you spill, wipe dry immediately. If it sinks into the floor, it can warp or buckle. If selecting bamboo for kitchen or bathroom, be sure to talk with a sales representative to choose the right bamboo flooring for the location.

Softness – bamboo flooring is a soft surface area, which means it can be susceptible to scratches and dents. High heels, pet claws, furniture movement. can all accumulate over time and give a dull, worn out appearance. Be sure to use protective pads and rugs to increase the life.

Regulation – because bamboo flooring can come from countries that aren’t as regulated as the US, it is important to know where the product is coming from to ensure sustainable parameters are followed.

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Smart Choices For Basements

What’s one of the biggest concerns for finishing off or remodeling a basement? Moisture problems. Whether you’ve had leaks or floods in the past, or are simply considering the option as you finish your basement for the first time, moisture can be a problem in basements applications.Smart Choices For Basements

Which means it’s important to install the right basement flooring to ensure best results.

Because the floor of your basement is below grade, the lowest surface of your home, it requires special consideration before your flooring can be installed. If it is susceptible to water, addressing the problem before you lay flooring is a given. Sealing your basement from water and moisture can be a big part of your remodeling budget.

Humidity and condensation are other concerns. Moist, humid air is heavy; it sinks to the lowest part of your home. When warmer, humid air comes in contact with the cooler surfaces of your home, such as a concrete slab floor, it condenses. And if it sits for too long, it can bring about mold and mildew growth. Heating and cooling systems often are equipped with a dehumidifier that helps maintain relative humidity levels for better indoor environment. The key is addressing concerns before they cause a problem.

Then it’s decision time.

Surveys show that new basement installs use carpeting in almost thirty percent of the builds. It’s a warmer option than other flooring choices, something that is important in an already cool place of the home. It also adds soundproofing, which can be important on a cement base.

Wall to wall carpeting is the easiest to install, and a low-cost option for homeowners trying to stretch the remodel budget. If you’re still worried about moisture issues, consider a pad made to block moisture from either seeping into the carpet or seeping down to the concrete below. Cleanups will be easier, and you won’t have chronic problems in the event minor water damage occurs.

Tile can also be a great choice, especially over concrete slabs. With many styles and colors available, they can give your home a flair for fashion for years to come, while maintaining a durable flooring option in the process.

Many homeowners also lean towards engineered wood. While this can carry a hardwood theme from your upper levels down into your basement, it also gives your basement durability. Because solid wood changes dimensions with fluctuations in temperature and humidity, basements often increase the chances of warping and cracking. Laminate or engineered wood decreases those chances, adds reliability and durability in the process.

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