News - PRO! Flooring

Flooring
July 24, 2017

Do You Know How Many Layers Your Floor Has?

Think your flooring has only one layer? Think again. Flooring is usually created in multiple layers to create a tighter, stronger structure. It also gives you the ability to change out the look easier if you tire of it, or it becomes damaged after years of wear.

Top Layer

This is the visible layer you walk on. It’s the layer everyone sees.

Called a floor covering, it comes in many sizes and shapes, including ceramic tile, hardwood, vinyl, laminate, engineered wood, carpeting, and many others. Floor coverings are mainly used to provide aesthetics. Think of them as the clothing in your life. They dress up your surroundings while covering up the substrate – or the real floor underneath which has more permanence and structure.

Underlayment

The underlayment provides a smooth, consistent surface to install the floor covering.

This layer is optional and depends on the flooring cover chosen. For hardwood, it may be an underlayment of plywood. For tile and stone, a cement backer board may be needed to provide a solid base. Laminate flooring often gets a thin foam layer that rolls into place to deter the noise. Carpets get padding to add to the life.

Subfloor

The subfloor is the flat surface on which all other layers rest.

The subfloor is the bottom layer that rests on the joists. It’s made from plywood ranging in thickness from 19/32 to 1 ⅛ inch thick. The subfloor is structural, second only to joists to create the flooring of the home. It holds up all layers of flooring, as well as provide the support for everything you do in your home.

Joists

While not a true floor layer, joists are essential to the flooring system. They are structural and support everything else on top. Joists are made of engineered, laminated wood or lumber. Unless a home is built on a concrete slab, all houses have joists.

In rare circumstances, you may find a home with one layer of flooring. A stained concrete floor in the kitchen, for instance. You can also find multiple layers in older homes, where one layer after another is tacked down over time.

To find out how thick your floor covering is, there are several ways to find out.

Floor vents – removing an HVAC vent allows you have access to all layers

Top of the stairs – depending on how your staircase is installed, you may be able to have a cross-section view of the entire floor

Crawlspace or basement – this will give you a good view of the subfloor and can find out old construction methods

Closets or pantry – closets often don’t have baseboard molding and can allow you to peer down along the edge of the wall

Flooring, Hardwood Flooring
July 20, 2017

Not All Bamboo Floors Are Created Equal

If you’ve been shopping for bamboo flooring, you may have noticed that there is a wide range of prices while the product looks somewhat the same.

Why is this?

It stands to reason that a product being sold for $1.59 won’t be the same quality as one that’s being sold for $7.99. While some stores may charge different prices to compensate for customer service, it doesn’t explain wide variances. In most cases, this comes down to the quality of the bamboo flooring.

Some companies, usually the ones that manufacture bamboo flooring at the lowest prices, harvest bamboo before maturity. That damages the plant and prevents it from regenerating.

Younger bamboo also isn’t as strong as the mature plant. Because it’s harvested when it’s smaller and less sturdy, that equates to not being as viable as a flooring option. It won’t stand up as well to the daily use throughout your home.

The type of flooring adhesive during the manufacturing process is also affected by price. Higher quality bamboo flooring choices are made with eco-friendly glues that contain little to no formaldehyde. Lower quality bamboo flooring often contains higher amounts of formaldehyde, which make them higher health hazards. Just like the adhesive, the top layer finish can also contain chemicals that are anything but health-friendly. Higher quality bamboo will contain little to no VOCs, a known carcinogen and health hazard.

Want an easy way to compare quality? Look to the warranty. While many bamboo floor manufacturers claim they have long term warranty, you’d be surprised at the number of things not covered. Ask your local flooring representative about the service level from the manufacturer should you have a problem with the flooring. Trust your gut; if it doesn’t sound right before you buy, you’re more likely to have problems after you install.

Bamboo is one of the most beautiful choices you can make for installing in your home.

If you have a question about bamboo, we’d love to share our knowledge with you.

Carpet, Flooring
July 17, 2017

Rug Pile Height: What To Know Before You Buy

If you’re starting to search for new carpeting or a new rug, one of the first things you’ll learn is about rug pile height.

Rug pile refers to the visible tufts of yarn that make up a rug’s surface. In other words, it’s the face of the rug. Rug pile can be cut or left in loops. It can be thick or thin, soft or course. All will affect not only the feel of the pile, but also the durability.

Type

Rug pile comes in either cut or loop. Cut is the more common of the two. A cut tufted rug is created by clipping the yarn loops. A cut pile leaves a rug or carpet soft and dense, making them the perfect choice for areas where bare feet are common, like the bedroom or living room.

Loop pile are woven or tufted, and the yarn loops are left uncut. Since the loops are left intact, they tend to be more durable, making them the perfect choice for high traffic areas.

Height

Pile heights vary greatly, put in general fall into three categories:

Low – less than ¼ inch
Medium – ¼ to ½ inch
High – ½ to ¾ inch

While you can find pile height higher than ¾ inch on occasion, they are usually labeled with a plush pile height. In general, the longer the pile gets, the softer the rug feels. Low pile rugs are more tightly woven and dense, which causes them to look and feel flat and coarse. High pile rugs have longer, looser threads, which provide a softer touch and a more elegant appearance.

Durability

Low pile rugs are easier to clean and more durable than their high pile counterparts. Since the fibers are shorter, dust and dirt sit on the surface and don’t dig down into the rug. With light, frequent vacuuming, the rug will stay in great shape over time.

High pile rugs offer more room for dirt to get between the fibers and settle down into the rug or carpet. More intense vacuuming is needed, with occasional stain treatments to keep high pile rugs in top condition.

Cut or loop? Both can make a great addition to your home. Carefully consider where you’ll be installing the rug or carpet and what kind of traffic level it will receive. Then make the right choice for your situation.

Flooring
July 14, 2017

Is your Laminate Flooring Safe For Your Family?

We all look for great deals. It’s a part of our culture. And the Internet makes it easy.

But in some cases, a good deal can cause you and your family a lot of harm.

Studies have been done evaluating toxic chemicals in homes. A number of studies have found elevated levels of formaldehyde emissions reaching high enough levels to do bodily harm. Many of these products were being sold by discount flooring retailers, and were selling laminate flooring imported from China.

These companies argue that their product is safe. Many have even offered to pay for tests conducted in home’s where the product has been installed. But the question is: do you want your family at risk?

Currently, there isn’t a formaldehyde emissions standard for laminate product. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has set standards limiting formaldehyde, and some companies are choosing to comply.

The EPA also says that homeowners shouldn’t necessarily be concerned just because they have laminate installed. Formaldehyde is present in many consumer products; the inclusion doesn’t automatically make it bad. But there are things to watch for over time.

Understand The Health Risks

Formaldehyde is included in many products, including flooring, furniture, even hair and fingernail products. Acute exposure can cause coughing, wheezing, and asthma-like symptoms. Long term exposure worsens these conditions.

Don’t Ignore Problems

If you have eye, nose or throat irritations, don’t ignore the problem. If you feel you might have been exposed to formaldehyde and it’s causing respiratory problems, avoid the area for a few days and see if they go away. When you return, if the problems come back, it’s worth pursuing.

Risks

People that work with the product regularly are more at risk than simply living in a home where it’s been installed. Laminate flooring is a hardwood plywood made by attaching a wood veneer with formaldehyde-based resin to a composite wood platform. The emissions are highest when it’s first installed. Older floors that have been worn over time are less likely to emit, and will do so at lower levels.

Buy With Care

The easiest way to avoid the problem is to select laminate through a reputable dealer. By working with us, you’re ensured of top quality manufacturers providing high quality products. Environmental health experts agree that purchasing and installing products that lower your exposure to hazards like formaldehyde, lead and asbestos are best for your health overall. Why take chances?

If you have a question about your current flooring, or in selecting a high-quality laminate for your home, we can help.

Carpet, Flooring
July 11, 2017

What You Should Know About Stair Runners

Curb appeal is everything to a home on the outside. But once you step inside, your eye automatically takes in all around you. And for many homes throughout the Front Range, the staircase is one of the first things you see.

In many cases, the staircase is just an extension of the flooring chosen for the living space. If wall to wall carpeting was used on the main floor, it extends up the stair, into the hallway, and continues into the bedrooms.

While it should compliment your space, your stairs can also make a statement. Stair runners are often used to add interest to your home while maintaining functionality. They should compliment without being overly busy.

Looking for a stair runner for your home?

Start with samples

Stair runners come in lots of styles, patterns, colors, and textures. Some designers will use things you may have never considered using as stair runners. A quick search through home design sites will give you unlimited possibilities. Yet what looks good on the pages of a magazine, or on a showroom floor, may look completely different when it’s in your home. Before you buy, make sure it fits with your interior.

Quality

It’s easy to try and save and cut corners wherever possible, but your stair runner isn’t one of those items. Your staircase is not only a visual point of interest in your home, but it also sets the tone for the rest of your home. Something that is durable will last for years and give your home character. And depending on the quality, it can also turn into a dangerous situation if it wears and becomes a tripping hazard.

Be realistic

We often fall in love with something we see at a neighbors or that looks good in a magazine. But something chosen by an empty nest couple rarely at home would never make sense for a family of four that plays hard every day. If you are a “no shoes inside” family, light colors can work well for years. But darker colors and more durable solutions are better if you wear shoes up and down the stairs. Understand your lifestyle and pick accordingly.

Are you ready for a new stair runner in your home?

Flooring
July 7, 2017

Best To Worst: Flooring Ideas For Your Basement

Basements can be a beautiful addition to the home. They can also be the potential for disaster.

Basement flooring doesn’t follow the normal rules. Even on the best of days, basement flooring has the potential of being impacted by moisture in the form of vapor due to its closeness to the ground. And at it’s worst, you may step down into ankle-high water from flooding.

All of which can make installing flooring difficult at best.

You want your space to look warm, comfortable and elegant. What should you choose?

Vinyl

Vinyl flooring is also known as resilient flooring. It ranks with concrete and ceramic tile as one of the best basement flooring choices. With sheet vinyl, you can create a nearly seamless, water-resistant surface, which is a good thing when potential water is involved. Vinyl tiles have multiple seams with invite water infiltration if water is left standing.

Luxury Vinyl Plank

Today’s vinyl comes in all shapes, sizes, looks, and styles. While many homeowners would love to carry the look of hardwood down into the basement, it’s not always the smartest choice. Problem solved with luxury vinyl planks. These wood-look planks offer the look of hardwood with the convenience and durability of vinyl. It also provides a thicker wear layer to include the wood look, which means a slightly warmer floor underfoot.

Wood-Look Porcelain Tile

Looking for another option but still keeping the wood-look? Try porcelain tile. It looks surprisingly like wood while carrying the ambiance of high quality stone. It’s porcelain tile in long narrow planks, and the graphics can be quite realistic. Plus stone is waterproof, meaning it can handle anything the environment dishes out.

Tiles

Of all basement choices, tiles are at the top of the list. Tile can be installed directly on concrete slabs or attached to a subfloor. They can easily stand up to water while still creating a polished, finished look. Worried about a cold basement? Try radiant heating coils under the tile. Perfect for those cold, snowy nights.

Laminate

Laminate has changed quite a bit over the past few years, making it a stronger choice for basement flooring. Look for waterproof laminate which offers a stronger barrier to water damage. It offers a slightly warmer option over other choices, and has an easier do-it-yourself installation process.

Carpet

Carpet is often thought of as the worst choices for a basement. It all depends on your circumstances. With the exception of flooding, basements often have fewer humidity issues than standard bathrooms. If you prepare the subflooring well, carpets can make a good choice. It all depends on your home and the surrounding areas. It’s also one of the least expensive options, meaning it’s easier to change out in case of problems.

Carpet, Flooring
July 3, 2017

Stairs and Flooring: Making Them Attractive and Safe

Stairs used to be a part of our landscape. They dominated our homes and were used in commercial applications to get from one floor to another.

Modern technology began taking that away, installing escalators and elevators not just in businesses, but in some homes too. While an elevator may seem like a sophisticated fixture in a modern home, reports show that the stairs can help us stay healthy in addition to having access to different levels of a building. One study shows that by climbing 3 to 5 floors a day can reduce their risk of stroke by as much as 29 percent.

All a good reason to bring stairs front and center in your home and your office space.

But stairs do require safety features to keep you out of harm’s way. The National Safety Council indicates that falls are one of the leading reasons people visit the emergency room in the US each year.

While aesthetics are important, safety should also be high on the list when selecting the best option to cover your stairs.

Hardwood

If your home has hardwoods installed both upstairs and down, it may be natural to continue the look to your staircases too. Because stair treads are not that deep – usually no more than 12 inches – hardwood planks offer the best results. You can stain them to match or try a contrasting colored riser to add depth. To make them even safer, attach safety strips designed for use on individual treads.

Carpet

Carpet is one of the safest options. It also offers noise reduction. A carpet’s lifespan depends on the fiber type and how much traffic it sustains each day. A densely woven, low-profile carpet withstands high traffic areas best. You can also mix wood staircases with carpet runners to have the best of both worlds.

Because of safety measures, it’s always a good idea to rely on professional service to ensure your flooring is installed correctly to prevent safety hazards.

If you have questions about changing the looks of your staircase while keeping safety in mind, just ask.

Carpet, Flooring
June 30, 2017

Are Powders Safe To Deodorize Carpets?

Over time, carpets get dirty and start to smell. As much as you love a clean carpet, vacuuming only goes so far. And a regular deep cleaning may be good a couple of times per year, but what about in between?

Carpeting often requires consistent maintenance to keep it clean and provide a healthy living environment. And in some cases, homeowners may be intrigued by carpet deodorizing powers, which make the promise of promoting cleanliness and reducing odor. But do they work? Or are they just another hype to get you to buy?

According to Healthy Child, an organization that works to call out dangerous and toxic products and chemicals, carpet deodorizing powders do little more than cover up a problem and leave chemicals and fragrance in its path. While deodorizing powders are designed to be vacuumed up after application, they often leave behind a residue.

Once applied, a portion of the powder can be missed during vacuuming. It can also sink in the carpet fibers, meaning even the best high-powered vacuum won’t be able to pick it up.

While it depends on the powder and what type of chemicals are in the formula, the problem also extends beyond the outer layer. It can bury deep into the fibers and exist indefinitely. With small children, as they crawl and play, they can come in contact with the powdery residue again and again, inhaling and ingesting it over time.

Carpet cleaning chemicals and treatments, including powers, can contain chemicals such as formaldehyde, sodium hydroxide, and even pesticides. Liquid treatments have the ability to act as solvents, wearing down carpet fibers over time. Carpet powder residue has the potential to bury deep and remain in the air, having the potential for inhaling throughout the life of the carpet.

If powders use fragrance, it may irritate members of the household with allergies or chronic respiratory conditions.

It can also negate warranties. Read your warranty carefully. Manufacturers are specific about the way carpets should be cleaned in order to keep their warranty in full working order. If you have a problem with odor, it’s best to work with a carpet cleaning service that uses natural processes for cleaning carpets.

Hardwood Flooring
June 25, 2017

Cork In The Kitchen: Should You Go There?

What’s the most popular room in your home? The kitchen. Selecting the wrong flooring will be something you have to live with and regret for years. Which is why we see a lot of people hanging back from selecting cork flooring.

Durability is always a concern. But what about comfort?

We love the look of hardwood. But hardwood is exactly that: hard. And when you stand on it for hours, you feel it.

This is your kitchen we’re talking about. The place where you’ll spend the most amount of time standing up. Whether you’re working at the sink, standing by the stove, or leaning by the counter talking with family and friends, you’ll mostly be on your feet.

Cork has unique properties that make it an excellent choice for your kitchen.

First, it’s comfortable. You’re probably most familiar with cork when popping open a bottle of wine, or sticking a tack into a bulletin board in your office. That “give” you feel there also is a part of flooring. Cork compresses slightly under weight and springs back when the weight is removed. This slight give acts as a shock absorber, which helps relieve pressure on your joints. So if you’re standing for extended periods every day, cork flooring makes it easier. Not to mention that dropping dishes or glasses have a better chance of survival too.

Cork is filled with tiny air cells that give it its cushiony qualities. These air cells also hold in warm air. So not only does it feel softer, it feels warmer too. In Colorado’s colder climate, this can be a welcome relief on a cold, snowy day. It’s insulation qualities can also mean it adds to your energy efficiency, allowing warm air to concentrate where you want it most.

Have you ever been awakened by noisy walking or running across hardwood or laminate? Those insulative qualities in cork make that less possible. Cork reduces the impact of sound and gives it less ability to travel. If you have a family with different sleeping patterns, it may even improve your sleep.

The biggest concerns for installing cork in a kitchen is with durability. What happens if something is spilled, or if a busted pipe floods from underneath the sink? For spills, no matter what flooring you have installed, timeliness is key. Cork will do no worse than other types of flooring. And if the worst happens and your flooring has extensive damage from water damage, it is usually covered by a homeowner’s policy.

Don’t be afraid to install cork flooring in your kitchen. It’s the perfect application to add style, warmth, and beauty to your kitchen floors.

Area Rugs, Flooring
June 22, 2017

5 Things To Know About Rug Pile

A rug’s pile refers to the density of the fibers. Pile can be cut or left in loops. Pile can be short and flat, or shaggy and long.

Rug pile also goes hand in hand with rug height, which is the thickness of the rug or carpet. Height is measured from the surface of a rug down to its backing.

There are five things to use to determine the ideal rug pile for you.

Pile Height

Pile heights are characterized by how tall the fibers are.

Low – less than ¼ inch
Medium – ¼ to ½ inch
High – ½ to ¾ inch

Thicker Isn’t Better

It’s automatic to assume thicker is better, but it isn’t always so. Some very fine rugs are thin. Rugs are made with different things in mind. Consider a rug or carpet’s final resting spot before you select the choice for you. High traffic areas will benefit from rug density to stand up to daily abuse.

Shorter Is Stronger

As a general rule, shorter pile rugs will last a bit longer than their longer pile counterparts. They are also easier to care for and can be easier to maintain with regular vacuuming and spot cleaning.

Furniture Placement

Carefully consider the furniture in your room before making a final selection. Longer piles can feel more soft and luxurious, but they are also more susceptible to crushing underneath heavy items. The more space your furniture takes up, the more chance of marking your rugs forever.

Cleaning

Longer piles require extra care when cleaning. Ensure your vacuum has a high pile setting so as not to get fibers caught in the rotating beater bar. If not cleaned properly, longer piles can quickly crush and wear out.