Month: November 2020

Traditionally we think of Christmas colors and decorations as typically being red and green but, has 2020 been very typical? No. This year the trends for holidays are very upbeat, bright, and creative!

Decorating the House

Okay so first on the list, wreaths. Having a wreath hanging on the door of your home is often a Christmas/Winter staple. This year we are seeing asymmetrical wreaths. An example is a ring type wreath with Christmas foliage on one side of the ring draping down. It is very stylish and trendy. 

Next, Christmas cards; how the heck do you display them?  Many of us just get a nice long ribbon and staple or tape our cards in a neat line and hang them. Well, have you considered hanging them on a wall or door in the shape of a Christmas tree? You can create one large one or ornate two or tree walls in the house the same way if you like!

Christmas Tree

This year we are also seeing unusual tree skirts. Using something as simple as corrugated paper, a chunky knitted blanket, or even repurposing an old iron sink basin covering it with new paint and glitter! Oversized Christmas bulbs and thick, heavy garland continue to be a trend. This season is no different! If your room allows, go big! Another trend we are seeing is rustic accents. Incorporate some plaid fabric in your garland or even a plaid tablecloth! Or get creative with a rustic wood holder for your firewood.

One of the major staples of the Christmas season is obviously the Christmas tree. Are you one of those trendy, fashionable folks who likes to create a themed masterpiece? This year the Christmas tree decoration trends are:

• Pastel colors – soft, muted, tender, elegant ornaments combined with gold balls or stars for a soft glam accent.
• Flower ornaments- a very decorative, beautiful, and bright trend for the season reminding us of a fairytale.
• Fancy bright colors with toys on white fir branches that excite children and keep the theme light and funny.
• Light and neutral color scheme – white, gray, beige tones with silver accents and a touch of glitter.
• NEON! MERRY AND BRIGHT! Break all the stereotypes and get a hold of turquoise! It is the color of 2020!
• Wood and clay- wood beads, wood bulbs, figurines made of natural materials. This creates a warm, soothing atmosphere. 

And now for the big question…when do you put the tree up? 

Do What You Feel is Best

In other words, there are no rules for decorations but the one thing we tend to observe is the earlier installation of festive or more plain pines and fir trees. However, now the trend has shown that the festivities start as soon as November and folks then do not decorate ornate trees until the first of December. 

If you plan to purchase a fresh cut tree the recommendation is to wait at least until December 1^st. 

In conclusion, 2020 has been stressful enough! Do not stress the holidays! It is time to make your own rules and create a festive, happy atmosphere in your home as soon as you wish!

If you’re looking to spruce up your flooring for the holidays, don’t hesitate! Be wise and call The Carpet Guys for all your flooring needs. Schedule a Free in-home consultation today.

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Have you ever wondered where hardwood flooring trends come from? They ultimately come from you, the buyer.

As demand increases for a particular type of hardwood flooring material, manufacturers follow up by giving in to the demand. They create what you want. So the more you ask for it, the more they deliver.

 

Of course, manufacturers are also working hard to give you a better product as well. Hardwood has long since been a durable and aesthetically-pleasing option for your home … why not make it even better! And if you compare a lot of the products on the market today, you’ll find they handle better than ever before.

If 2021 is the year you upgrade your flooring, and you’re trying to select the right options for you, we have some advice on what hardwood floor is trending right now. Stop by, and we’re happy to show you lots of options that will fit in with any decor.

Here’s what we’re seeing our customers want right now.

Dark Hardwood Floors

Remember when a lighter, more golden color was the standard? No more. Today you’ll find dark hardwood flooring has taken over the most popular hardwood homeowners want in their homes. For some, that means black. For others, it means a chocolate color. No matter how you define dark hardwood, there’s an option for you.

One of the most frequent questions we get about dark hardwood is its durability and maintenance. Luckily manufacturers have created products that give you both in whatever color combinations you choose.

Dark hardwood can highlight dirt and stains more than lighter wood, and tends to scratch easier than other types of hardwood. But don’t let that stop you from installing it. The darkness of the wood also tends to blend gaps and uneven surfaces better, making it well better over time. If you’re going to have hardwood, you’ll get used to the care and maintenance it requires; it’ll be a part of your day.

• Use a soft mop daily to keep dust, dirt, and crumbs off the floor
• Plan on restaining your flooring every 10 to 15 years
• It’s a great way to make the rest of your decor pop – accent it with light walls, and any color will make your home shine

Grey Hardwood Floors

Are you the type of person that looks at dark hardwood and thinks: no way? For some, light furnishings will always top their list.

Then you might benefit from looking at another top trend, grey hardwood floors.

What we love most about grey hardwood floors is the fresh, clean look you’ll get just by installing them. They look good everywhere: the kitchen, living room, dining space, or even the basement.

Be conscious of the color grey you select. A softer shade can keep your home fresh and minimalist, while a darker grey can have an aged effect. The good news is you can set the tone if you’re willing to have them stained after installation. It’s a simple process of adding white to ebony to come up with any shade of grey you desire.

The key with any hardwood flooring you choose is to opt for a higher grade water-based polyurethane finish to give you the protection you need. You can decide how glossy or matted it is based on your desires.

If you have a question about the best color for your home, ask one of our consultants for advice. They can provide you with several samples to take home so you can see how it looks in your room. Be sure to look at it in all lighting conditions, sunlight throughout the day, as well as artificial light at night. You’ll want to be happy with your choice no matter what time of day you spend in your room.

Whitewashed Wood Floors

If you want a neutral palette to work from inside your home, consider whitewashed wood floors as your base. Whitewash wood has the advantage of brightening up any room, no matter how much natural light spreads through the windows.

Whitewash wood is also one of the best color choices if you have a busy household with kids and pets running in all directions. That foot traffic, including scratches and small dents, won’t show as easily with a whitewash design.

While homeowners who choose whitewash tend to love color, you can always mix and match different shades of wood. We especially love mixing whitewash with varying shades of blue – from Mediterranean to a deep navy, whitewash accents the final color choice nicely.

Whitewash wood can start with many different hues. While they may not appear to be that different on the showroom floor, you’ll be surprised at the differences when you bring them home. From greens to blues, browns to greens, and more, it’s important to stick with hues that match your decor. That’s where one of our consultants can help you choose. And if you have a specific color in mind, a contractor can always mix and match your ideas once the planks are laid into place.

Wide Planks

Wide plank wood flooring is also a growing trend in 2021. Gone are the days of standard sizing, you’ll find planks getting wider in size because of the way they open a room up.

Before you lay a wider plank in place, be sure you know what’s underneath the planks. A wider plank size should have a perfectly smooth subfloor to ensure a quality floor.

With a wider plank, be sure to purchase your product from a reputable dealer. We’ve heard many stories of people that found great “deals”, but were greatly disappointed when cupping and curling occurred throughout the flooring shortly after the installation process.

Seasoning is important with all hardwood jobs, but especially when you’ll be installing wide plank hardwood floors. That helps the wood acclimate to your surroundings before you lay it into place.

What questions do you have about installing new hardwood floors? If you want the latest trends, something you’ll love for years to come, let us help you pick out the perfect hardwood floors for your home. 

The post Hardwood Flooring Trends for 2021 and Beyond first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

This post appeared first on https://pro-flooring.com

White flooring has become more popular over recent years.  Oak is naturally a light golden brown colour but can be transformed into tones of white with stains or oils.  White Oak Flooring offers a clean and fresh feel, whilst still having the luxuriousness of a real wooden floor. Read More

Are you looking to put flooring down in your basement, but you don’t know what flooring is best? The Carpet Guy’s has many flooring options!  Basement flooring can be done with many different types of flooring like carpeting, vinyl, or laminate flooring.

Best Carpet for Basements

Basement carpet can add a very warm, cozy atmosphere to your home. It is the most common type of flooring for basements. Basement carpeting is the most inexpensive, practical solution that is easy to maintain. Carpeting can take a cold, dark basement and make it warm and inviting. Therefore, carpet can also be an easy fix if your basement is uneven, has cracks, or even requires expensive leveling.

Be sure that you tend to any previous water damage and ensure that water destroy your basement flooring investment. If you have had previous water damage and could potentially experience it again, synthetic fiber carpet is the only flooring product that can be salvaged in this event. The Carpet Guy’s offer unbeatable carpet prices, styles, and colors!

Best Hard Surface for Basements

In addition another common basement flooring is vinyl flooring! Vinyl is a durable, low maintenance, easy to clean solution. It also offers a variety of decor options as well and there are options for any budget. Vinyl flooring will not face damage by normal amounts of water on its surface.

It will not be hurt by the occasional dampness on the concrete slab below. Likewise, there are also select waterproof options available. 

Be wise and call The Carpet Guy’s today to get your FREE, in-home estimate! We bring the basement flooring directly to you and together we can find the perfect fit for your home! In conclusion, The Carpet Guy’s offer flooring specials often so click the link to get the latest deals and discounts! 

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Hardwood is everywhere here across the Front Range. Colorado has a log cabin vibe mixed with a little western elegance. It’s how we live. It’s what we do.

But no matter how much you love hardwood flooring, sometimes it just isn’t the right flooring choice for you. You know even before you install it that it would be more work than you’re willing to put in. Why install something you know will be a problem in a very short time?

Luckily, you don’t have to settle for hardwood if you want the hardwood look. With today’s technology, there are choices that give you the look that Coloradoans want, with resilience you need for a busy home.

The best on the market are wood-look luxury vinyl planks and wood-look tile flooring. Which is right for you? How do they handle? Which should you choose?

Let’s look at both to determine whether hardwood vinyl or tile is the right choice for your needs.

Durability

If you saw the word “vinyl” and instantly formed an opinion, it’s time to give wood-look luxury vinyl planks another look. This product is growing in popularity because of its looks and durability. Technology has made it so that these planks closely resemble the real thing. Even experts have to get a closer look to separate it from real hardwood.

Because of the different layers, luxury vinyl planks have a rigidness that will hold up well no matter what your family dishes out. That can make it an even better choice than hardwood if you have a growing family that loves to play indoors. Have pets? Not a problem. This will handle well.

Wood-look tile is another option. Technology has made it that either ceramic or porcelain tile can now look like your favorite hardwood flooring. But it adds something hardwood can’t give – durability.

Tile flooring is extremely durable, can last for decades with the right care. No more worrying about scratches, dents, fading or other types of damage coming from normal wear and tear. It’s virtually indestructible, something that works well in certain rooms in your home. Just be aware that if you drop something heavy, it does have the potential for cracking. The only way to fix it is to replace the tile.

Water resistance

One of the biggest reasons homeowners are hesitant to install traditional hardwood is because of potential water damage. Hardwood just doesn’t make sense in areas prone to water, such as the kitchen, bathroom, or basement.

That’s why people turn to luxury vinyl planks or tile. Both offer you water-resistance as well as good looks.

Luxury vinyl planks are completely water-resistant when installed correctly. This means you’ll never face a floor that is warping, cracking, or buckling from moisture issues. You can install it in every room in your house without fear of walking into a mess.

Likewise, wood-look tile is also completely water-resistant when properly installed. This means ensuring the tile is properly adhered to the subfloor, and grouting is installed and in place.

While both types of wood-look flooring offer durability in situations you may be hesitant to install hardwood, keep in mind that while both luxury vinyl planks and tile offer water-resistance, nothing is one-hundred-percent waterproof. When anything sits underwater for an extended period of time, it runs the risk of having potential problems. It’s always advisable to clean up all spills as quickly as possible.

Styles, colors, patterns

If you’ve spent any time looking at hardwood, you know there are many different options to allow you to make your home uniquely your own. With either luxury vinyl planks or tiles, your options continue to grow.

Wood-look luxury vinyl planks come in a variety of colors designed to mimic the most popular hardwood on the market. Whether you want rustic country or sleek modern designs, you’ll find what you’re looking for.

Luxury vinyl planks also come in a variety of sizes and widths. Whether you want the standard four inches, or are looking for a more exotic wide plank width, you’ll find it here.

Also, pay attention to the thickness of the plank. This will help you determine a higher quality product, one where the patterns run deeper and offer you a stronger, more durable product.

Wood-look tile is also available in a full array of colors and styles. Like vinyl, tile is produced with 3D printing to create a product that mimics real hardwood. Pay attention to depth and boldness to ensure the product lasts for years to come.

Care and Maintenance

If you’ve had hardwood before, you know it requires a lot of maintenance to ensure it continues to look good. You clean it with special products. You wax it to maintain its sheen. You refinish it every few years to ensure the wood underneath is protected.

If you have a busy household, all of that care might be a little daunting. That’s why many homeowners are giving wood-look luxury vinyl planks or tiles a second look.

With wood-look luxury vinyl tiles, cleaning requires nothing more than regular sweeping with a dust mop to remove dust and debris. An occasional wet mop will pick up stains or other trace items stuck to the surface. You’ll never have to wax or refinish it to retain its original look and shine.

Tile is quite easy to maintain. Regular removal of dust and debris with a dry mop, followed by occasional wet mopping is all you’ll need. Watch tile grout for potential stains over time. You can clean this with a mild mixture of white vinegar and water to keep it looking its best. Beware of chemical cleaners that can stain and change the color of the grout over time. Check with the manufacturers’ guidelines if you have any questions.

Cost

Installing traditional hardwood can be quite expensive. That’s why both luxury vinyl planks or tiles are a viable option.

Both can be more budget-friendly depending on your needs.

When it comes to resale, homeowners love hardwood, and that will never change. However, home buyers also love style and cleanliness, and want to walk into a home that provides easy living.

If you plan to stay put for a while, choose what suits your family best.

And if you have any questions or need help in making a selection, we’re here to help. 

The post Want The Beauty of Hardwood, With The Ease of Vinyl or Tile? first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

This post appeared first on https://pro-flooring.com

If you’re remodeling your home, you are likely on the hunt for new flooring. One excellent flooring option
is white oak. Learn why you should choose white oak hardwood floors by reading on.

The first reason you should choose white oak hardwood flooring is because it looks beautiful. White oak has a luxurious feel, while also appearing bright and warm. White oak hardwood is sophisticated and welcoming, making it the perfect flooring choice for any room in your home.

When you’re picking out flooring for your home, you want something that can withstand wear and tear. High-quality flooring that won’t break down saves you money on replacements and repairs. It is also easier to care for, saving you time. It can even improve the value of your home. White oak hardwood is durable, meaning it can hold its own under heavy furniture or in high traffic areas.

White oak hardwood flooring is moisture resistant. That means you can use this type of flooring in rooms like the kitchen and the bathroom. If you spill liquid on this flooring, cleaning is a breeze and you don’t have to worry about your floors warping. Because it is moisture resistant, white oak hardwood is also a good pick for entry areas where mud, snow, or rain water can get tracked into the house.

If you want eye-catching, strong, and versatile flooring, white oak hardwood flooring is the best choice. You can install white oak hardwood in your mudroom, kitchen, living room, bathroom, and so on. Check out this flooring at Flooring.org. You can browse our inventory online or give our staff a call at 800-689-9006. We hope to hear from you soon!

This post appeared first on http://www.flooring.org

Are you in love with the popular timeless classic Herringbone style flooring? That’s perfectly understandable with all of its character and charm, as well as being available in laminate. Stylish and practical at a budget friendly price. Whilst laminate is often very easy to fit, a Herringbone Laminate installation often leaves first time fitters and keen DIY’ers asking “can I lay Herringbone flooring?” due to its intricate design. 

 

If you’re questioning whether to get a professional fitter or whether to have a go at fitting your flooring yourself, you should determine your level of confidence after reading our blog.

 

Can I Fit Herringbone Flooring Myself?

 

If you have experience in fitting flooring and are confident in doing so then our step by step guide should allow you to successfully fit your Herringbone Laminate Flooring.

 

However, should you be a DIY enthusiast, make sure you’ve read our guides carefully and are confident in fitting flooring as improper installation will void warranty. 

 

Prior to Installation 

 

Now we know what you’re thinking, this is the boring stuff! But what’s a little reading when the end result will be a stunning Herringbone Laminate flooring, free from installation mistakes?

We recommend you read these instructions thoroughly prior to installation and follow them carefully. Improper installation will void your warranty. 

 

Your flooring must be acclimatised for at least 48 hours. To do this, leave your flooring in the room it will be laid in, with the boxes open. 

 

When you receive your flooring, you will receive an even number of A boards and B boards. We recommend you separate these into two piles prior to your installation. 

 

When installing your flooring, it is important to note that each board is designed with a four sided click system to allow the boards to slot easily into one another. To create the classic Herringbone pattern, you will need to use board A and board B (the board type should be written on the base). This can be achieved by slotting the shorter side of the board into the longer side of the board at a medium angle. 

 

Tools

 

The recommended tools you may need to obtain before starting the installation of your Herringbone Laminate Flooring are listed below. 

 

1. Straight Edge
2. Floating Floor Underlay
3. Laminate Flooring Cutter 
4. Fixed Heavy Duty Knife
5. Square Ruler
6. Floating Floor Spacers
7. Tape Measure 
8. Jigsaw
9. PVA Adhesive
10. Pencil
11. Knee Pads

 

Once you’re confident you have the right tools, it’s time to get down to the labour!

 

Step by Step Herringbone Laminate Installation

 

Once you’re confident you have the right tools, it’s time to get down to the labour!

Can I lay Herringbone Laminate Flooring?

 

Now you’ve read through our guide for fitting Herringbone Laminate Flooring, the question as to whether you could fit it yourself or require a fitter is up to you. We hope this guide provides all the knowledge you’ll need to make that decision! 

 

If you’re yet to purchase your Herringbone Laminate, browse through our selection of laminate flooring now.

 

If you have any more questions, please get in touch and one of our flooring experts will be happy to help. 

 

The post How to Lay Herringbone Laminate Flooring appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

We’ve been through a lot in 2020. Are you starting to dream about 2021?

Is working from home your new norm?

Maybe it’s time to create your dream home to suit your needs.

Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen, adding a new wing to your existing home, or just changing things up a bit from you’re flooring up, it can be difficult to settle in on what to install.

You want to select something fashionable, but that will stand the test of time. Something durable, yet beautiful.

What are the flooring trends for 2021? What should you choose to have a home you’ll love, one you won’t come to regret in a short period of time?

A word about durability

Like other industries, you’ll find a wide variety of options when it comes to flooring. Head to your local big box store and you’ll find many deals that seem to be “too good to be true.” That’s because they are.

These value-priced flooring options are often bulk created with quick sales in mind. They aren’t created for longevity, rather, for quick turnaround at the store.

Spend time getting to know the product you’ll ultimately install in your home. If you want it to last, pay attention to how well it will wear. A higher quality, more durable surface will provide you with long-lasting results you’ll love for years to come.

Let’s start with coziness factoring

In 2020, we learned what it means to spend more time at home. That’s not going to end in 2021. And because of how much the world has changed, we’re willing to bet this is setting a course for future trends as well.

People will be spending more time at home. That means it’s time to get comfortable with nesting and creating a home you love.

Focus on how you can create that look from the floors up. Think effortless maintenance. Think flooring that will withstand all the busyness your family goes through in a day. The last thing you want to do is to stop and clean up your flooring throughout your day.

That might mean you give durability a second thought. How about water-resistance or even waterproof flooring? They can be great options if you have kids diving into science projects in their homeschool environment. Or pets that love to play even more now that you’re home.

Wood flooring … with a twist

As a homeowner, we know you’re heart may be set on hardwood. And if that’s the case, you’ll find many different manufacturers ready to supply you with quality and good looks. Lighter colors are making a comeback because of their ability to open up a room, adding tranquility.

But don’t think traditional hardwood is your only option. Flooring trends in 2021 are going to continue bringing other technology to the forefront.

Luxury vinyl planks are so realistic they can fool even people in the business. They offer beautify, ease of use, and options for busy families. They install in a similar manner to traditional hardwood. However, they don’t require the same acclimation period before installation. Lay them together, click them in place, and start enjoying them immediately.

Laminate is another good choice to provide you with the look of hardwood with added strength and durability. Because they have a real wood layer, they look more like genuine hardwood (because they are!) If you’re hesitant about installing laminate because of the noise factor from the past, take a second look at the choices available today.

Want something different? How about wood-look tile? Whether you select ceramic or porcelain, you’ll love combining the hardwood look with the strength and durability of tile. A lot of homeowners are using this product to lay over radiant heating. It can be a great way to add warmth to your home, feeling great on your feet in the middle of winter.

Tile flooring still tops the list

We can’t say enough about tile flooring. And it’s still a popular choice.

If you can dream it, imagine it, you can find it and install it. From tiny mosaic to large sizes, there are unlimited options available.

If you want realistic stone, earth tones with a natural feel, go with limestone, granite, or even marble. Ceramic and porcelain tile gives you options to have any style or color you choose. We mentioned wood-look tile before, but it’s worth talking about again.

Thanks to today’s technology, tile can be styled in many different ways. Want hardwood with the durability of tile? Want a more budget-friendly stone? Want the sleekness of concrete? You’ll find tile that mimics it all with more durability.

And while you might start with installing tile on the floor, you may quickly discover a lot more places it’ll make your house stand out.

• Want to upgrade your fireplace mantle?
• How about using subway tiles as a backsplash?
• Glass tiles to make your master shower stand out?
• Continue the fresh look of your kitchen out to your outdoor living space?

There are so many things you can do with tile, we think you’ll have fun dreaming.

If you haven’t already started a pinboard over on Pinterest, we make that suggestion to all of our clients. Start pinning photos of rooms you love. They can help us point you in the right direction. You’ll start to see patterns arise in the things that you pin. You’ll find certain colors, textures, styles you like more than others.

Natural choices – the perfect trend in flooring for 2021

While we’ve spoken about a variety of different flooring options, we’d be amiss if we didn’t highlight one other trend.

Because of our focus on health this year, one of the biggest trends for 2021 is paying attention to natural choices. Green is in.

That means paying attention to the manufacturing process. Paying attention to how things are installed. Look for eco-friendly products that add richness and quality to your home.

You’ll find it in a variety of different flooring choices that come with natural options. If sustainability matters to you, stop by and let’s have a conversation.

No matter what your remodeling plans include for 2021, we’re here to help you make the right choice for your lifestyle.

New flooring may be the perfect way to ensure your 2021 goes a little smoother.

The post What Flooring Trends are Perfect If You’re Remodeling in 2021 first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

This post appeared first on https://pro-flooring.com

Ideally, a wooden floor should be the last part of the room to be added, after all the other renovation and decorating has been done.  This will help to avoid your wooden floor becoming damaged by the building work.  However, if you are re-decorating and want to keep your wooden floor, you will need to protect it. Read More

Carpet padding often has people wondering why it is necessary. Little do they know this protects the carpet from heavy foot traffic. Likewise, it resists heavy furniture from wearing the carpet down against the bare floor. Padding also cushions the impact of every footstep.

This also allows for more thorough cleaning. With padding beneath the carpet, a vacuum is able to raise up the carpet and have enough suction to remove dirt. This helps keep allergens in the home down. 

Carpet padding also provides thermal insulation. Sub floors and concrete floors are cold and can create an unwelcoming atmosphere. Your home has another layer of protection against that unwanted chill. It will add warmth and increases the life of the carpet. 

Carpet is less durable without padding. In fact, some warranties require you to use a proper padding. Be sure to inquire about your carpets warranty. This ensures you are taking all possible measures in the event that you will have to use the provided warranty. Also talk with our experts about how you expect your carpet to feel beneath your feet. If you like a more solid type of carpet feel: the product you will want to discuss would be that of a higher density. If you are looking for a softer feel, that is more of a plushy feeling beneath your feet, then you will want less density.

This product is out of sight, out of mind but the wrong pad can make or break the carpet.

Learn more about the different types of carpet pad. We also can provide Mohawk Smart Cushion when requested. If you have questions about flooring or any other type of underlayment or pad contact The Carpet Guys today at 855-4-MY-GUYS or Carpetguys.com.

The Carpet Guys also specialize in Hardwood, Laminate and Vinyl flooring. Feel free to reach out today for a FREE in-home consultation.

The post Why Is Carpet Padding Necessary? appeared first on The Carpet Guys.