Month: February 2021

Are you remodeling your home? Looking for a flooring that will last for years and look great too? Don’t want to follow the Joneses – want something you won’t find in your neighbor’s home?

Maybe it’s time to give bamboo flooring another look.

Bamboo flooring is often considered a category of hardwood, even though it isn’t a hardwood at all. Bamboo isn’t a tree, and isn’t a wood. Instead, it’s a grass native to China. It’s cut down as strips, bonded together and crafted into planks that resemble hardwood. You’ll find colors, styles, and finishes in all spectrums, and often stand out over other hardwood options.

One of the top reasons people turn to bamboo is because of its natural, renewable sourcing. Unlike trees which can require decades of growth before harvesting, bamboo stalks can be harvested repeatedly every five to six years. Most of the bamboo on the market today is sourced from plantation-like applications that approach their farming operations responsibly.

While bamboo farming is a growing enterprise, it is important to understand that if you are looking for a renewable resource, it’s a good idea to pay attention to the manufacturing process. Less than reputable manufacturers are still in abundance in this category, so it’s important to dive deep and understand the product you are purchasing.

If you find inexpensive options online, there is a reason. Ensuring you receive a quality product means doing your research early.

The different types of bamboo flooring

If you decide to install hardwood flooring, you’ll be able to select from a variety of styles: traditional hardwood, laminate, engineered.

With bamboo, it works in a similar manner. Bamboo is constructed in several unique ways.

Stranded bamboo – it’s created by shredding the bamboo stalks and compressing them into sheets using a resin binder and pressurized heat. They are then cut into planks to install in your home. You’ll find both click-and-lock and nail-down varieties.

Horizontal bamboo – is manufactured by cutting the bamboo into thin strips and then glued together to form the planks. With this method, you’ll see the grain from the fibers within the plant. Because it isn’t pressurized when created, it isn’t as durable as the stranded option. But because of its grainy appearance, it can create a striking look.

Engineered – this is created by bonding a thin layer of bamboo onto an MDF core or a piece of plywood. It’s structured similarly to engineered hardwood, and performs  similarly. It’s the least expensive option, and cannot be refinished down the road.

Thinking about installing bamboo? Here are the pros and cons.

Before you settle on flooring for your home, it’s important to think about your lifestyle. An empty nest couple will have different needs than a young growing family. If you live alone, you’ll have different requirements than if you own several pets.

In many cases, what can be considered a “pro” by one household will be a “con” for the next. Bamboo flooring is a great choice for many homeowners, but for others, it can be a mess.

What we like best about bamboo flooring is:

• It gives a luxurious appearance to any room you install it in. It has a look that steps beyond traditional hardwood.
• Like hardwood, if you go with a solid bamboo, you can refinish it and have it last for decades. That makes it worth spending a little more on it upfront.
• Today’s bamboo flooring isn’t what you could purchase even a few short years ago. It’s easy to find articles online that talk about how finicky bamboo can be. Yet today’s bamboo is more water-resistant than ever, and can even surpass the durability of some hardwoods.
• It’s natural. If you care about going green, having a sustainable product inside your home, look no further than bamboo.
• It can be less expensive than exotic hardwood, yet offers a completely unique look and feel. If you don’t want to replicate every other home in your neighborhood, bamboo flooring might just be what you’re looking for.

Still, bamboo flooring isn’t right for everybody. Some of the cons for using this in your home include:

• It’s just as easy to find poor quality bamboo as it is high quality. Don’t select a bamboo flooring online based on cost – less-than-reputable companies will give you a lower quality product. If you install the wrong bamboo, it will be softer and won’t hold up very well over time.
• How it’s created is important too. A less than reputable company can press the strands together using a high VOC adhesive, which can make it more dangerous to your health once you install it.
• It can be a sustainable, eco-friendly option … unless you go with a greedy manufacturer. There are lots of ways to cut costs in this product line. Be careful before you finalize your purchase.
• Flooding, high moisture, or pooling water will damage your bamboo flooring.
• It can be scratched quite easily. It isn’t the best choice with lots of pets who love to run and play.

Still think bamboo flooring is right for you?

Age is everything – select wisely

When manufacturers harvest bamboo, they know the proper age to ensure the highest quality. Again, this is a reason to go with a trusted resource.

With bamboo, age is important. Age determines its durability.

Most of the bamboo used in manufacturing today comes from China, and is created using a species of bamboo called Moso. Moso bamboo takes 5 to 6 years to reach maturity, and will achieve a base diameter of 4 to 6 inches, while reaching a height anywhere from 40 to 80 feet tall.

Maturity gives bamboo its strength. The younger the plant, the weaker the strands, the less durable the end product – your floors – will be.

If you’ve ever heard of homeowners unhappy with their bamboo floors, it’s most likely because they installed a weaker product. That’s when flooring will break apart, split, warp, and crack under pressure.

Talk with a flooring associate about the product line. Do your own research too. Don’t settle until you’re sure you have the perfect product for your home.

Are you ready to install bamboo flooring in your home?

We’re happy to help. Give us a call today, and we’ll be happy to answer all of your questions about bamboo flooring, and help you make the right decision for your home.

The post A Guide To Installing Bamboo Flooring Throughout Your Home first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

With parquet block hardwood flooring you can create amazing parquet patterns.  The small blocks of flooring are uniform in size, allowing them to be installed in a number of different ways.  Parquet block flooring is definitely becoming more and more popular again and we think it’s because of the three stunning designs that can be created: Read More

Shopping for new carpet can be exciting. You’ve decided to remodel your home. You’re adding new furniture, a new color for the walls, maybe new window coverings too.

Yet from the moment you step into a flooring showroom, instead of excitement, you might fall into a state of overwhelm. Where do you begin?

Glancing around, you’ll find patterns, colors, styles, and textures galore. If you have a specific color in mind, you’ll find it.

What about fibers? Are you looking for synthetic or natural?

And let’s not forget the carpet padding. In order to create a solid structure, and ensure your carpet has a long life, it’s necessary to select the right carpet padding for your needs.

What? You haven’t thought much about carpet padding?

Why carpet padding is important

When you walk across a brand new carpet, it feels good on your feet. It’s soft, plush fibers cushion your toes. Its warmth surrounds you.

Did you know a lot of that feeling doesn’t come from the carpet, but comes from the carpet padding instead? Carpet padding serves as a foundation for your carpeting. Whether you select a carpet from the lower end, or from the top of the line, ultimately, it’s the carpet padding’s job to create a better surface structure. It adds insulation as well as noise reduction. Without it, your carpet will fail faster.

Carpet padding is important because it protects the backing from the bottom of your carpet from breaking down. It prolongs the life of your carpet.

However, if you select the wrong carpet padding, it can actually cause more problems. That’s why it’s essential to understand carpet padding before you shop.

What type of carpet padding should I use?

Manufacturers don’t just create carpet, they are in the carpet padding business too. They understand that to ensure a long life for the carpets they produce, it’s equally important to install them over the right structure.

While there are basic carpet padding categories on the market, keep in mind that manufacturers are always innovating. They know consumers want fresh ideas, greener solutions, and updated materials. Don’t be afraid to chat with a sales associate about what’s most important to you, and select based on your needs and desires. Today’s carpet padding includes:

Rebond

This is one of the most popular carpet pads used in residential settings. Rebond carpet padding is the least expensive option, made from recycled foam. It often has a multicolored appearance with specs of color throughout. Always opt for a higher density when using rebond carpet; you’ll have better results. Of course, you should also pay attention to manufacturer’s guidelines. They often make suggestions as to which carpet padding works best for the carpet you’re installing.

Frothed foam

Foam is often used in a lot of products, and when it comes to carpet padding, it can make a great choice. Frothed foam is denser than other foam options, and is one of the most durable pads on the market. It’s also one of the most expensive carpet pads, and will often outlast the carpet itself. If quality is your thing, look no further than frothed foam.

Memory foam

It works for mattresses, why not for carpet padding too? Memory foam works similarly to frothed foam, but adds memory gel into the structure. That structure gives it that sinking feeling you may have experienced on your bedding. And while it works great for bedrooms and other low traffic areas, it’s not as suitable for high traffic areas. The gel will eventually condense down.

Prime foam

When you sit down on a couch or chair, many of them are created using a foam cushion. These foam cushions are reasonably firm, making them a good option for carpet padding in certain rooms of your home. Prime foam falls between frothed foam and memory foam in both durability and cost. It can be a right choice for low to medium traffic areas, just don’t install it in your hallways.

Waffle pad

A waffle pad is actually one of the oldest carpet padding options on the market. It’s recognizable by its waffle-like structure. It’s soft and priced at the lower end, making it a good choice for budget-minded customers. If you select this type of carpet padding, pay attention to density, and ensure it’s created from a high quality material.

Fiber pad

Fiber pads can be created from a wide variety of materials. If going green is your thing, ask about a jute fiber pad. Jute can be ideal for some areas of your home; just don’t use it in high moisture areas like your basement. Because of its structure and low clearance, it’s often recommended for Berber carpets, which can extend durability.

Rubber

Rubber is often a good choice if you are looking for resilience. It’s incredibly dense, heavy, and durable, and often works well for consumers worried about carpets increasing allergy and asthma symptoms. It’s also one of the more expensive options, so it’s something to weigh out carefully.

How do I choose carpet underlay?

Selecting a material is your first step. Once you’ve discussed and determined which carpet padding suits your needs, you’ll be given additional choices in each category. Carpet padding protects the carpet, so it’s always better to move to a higher quality when given a choice. Carpet padding should be chosen based on:

Density – is measured between 2 and 10 pounds. However, you can’t compare across categories, as fiber would be different than rubber, for example. Residential class carpet padding often suggests purchasing somewhere between 6 and 8 pounds for optimal use.

Thickness – thicker isn’t always better. It depends on the carpet you select. A low pile carpet, for instance, shouldn’t be installed with a thicker padding, as it will decrease wearability and shorten life span. A ½ inch carpet pad is often considered ample, with most associates suggesting you never go beyond a ⅜ inch pad.

What questions do you have about carpet padding? 

Carpet padding can be confusing, especially when your goal is to make your room brighter, cleaner, fresher in design. Still, carpet is expensive. It’s not something you’ll change out each year. To ensure a long life for your carpet, pay attention to carpet padding. We’re happy to speak with you about your options, and make the best suggestion to suit your needs.

The post Which Type of Carpet Padding Is Right For Your Home? first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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The Carpet Guys want to share with you the top 8 signs you need to replace old carpet.  Have you ever walked into your house, looked at your old carpet, and just thought “yuck”? Carpeting is supposed to invite you into a room like a flooring “hug”.  But like anything in life, it wears out, and the indications are not hard to see. Here are eight tell-tale signs that you need to replace old carpet and give your rooms a makeover.

1. Replace Carpet Due to Stains

If you’ve cleaned you carpeting over and over and those nasty stains are still sitting there, it’s time to renew your carpet.

Believe it or not, it may be more cost-effective to have new carpet installed.  Cleaning is expensive and the more times you have your carpet cleaned, the more it may cause “sprouting”.  Sprouting is when the twisted fibers become untwisted over time.  This can happen from high-traffic volume as well as cleaning or scrubbing of the fibers.  It is not recommended by the manufacturers to professionally clean your carpet more than every 12 – 18 months. For more cleaning suggestions, check out some of our cleaning carpet blog posts like:

General Carpet Care and Maintenance

How to Remove Red Wine, Coffee and Grease Stains

2. Nasty Carpet Smells

Whether it’s from food, your pets, or the outdoor elements, a nasty smell means it’s time to renovate your carpeting.

Sometimes, the deepest cleaning can’t remove carpet odors.  They may have penetrate the fibers and padding beneath.  If you want to try removing odors first, read How to Remove Carpet Odors 

3. Wear and Tear

Some carpets can last 15 to 20 years when properly cared for and protected. But if there’s too much wear-and-tear, then that carpet has met its end.

If your carpet has holes, tears, or wrinkles we recommend having a Design Consultant give you a complimentary In-Home Estimate.  If you’ve had your current carpet installed by The Carpet Guys and have wrinkles, call us at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897).  Someone can check-out the damage if you’re covered by our Lifetime Installation Warranty.

4. Increase in Allergy Problems

People with breathing issues such as asthma and COPD need Asthma and Allergy-Friendly Carpet in their homes.

If your old carpeting is started to affect your breathing, it’s time to invest in a new carpet. We carry many of these products, including Mohawk’s Air-O flooring.  When you call, please let your friendly representative know that your interested in this amazing flooring.

5. Replace Carpet with Worn Out Padding

It’s a well-known fact that proper carpet padding is important for your carpeting’s life span.

Over time, just like carpet, pad starts to wear out. Especially if your carpet is in a high-traffic area. Padding can’t be fixed with cleaning, so new carpet is the best solution in this case.  Along with a free 8lb pad upgrade, The Carpet Guys also carry the Susan G. Komen 8lb pink padding with memory foam.  This new padding will be like walking on a cloud.

6. Needs an Update

As trends change, so does your taste. Your carpet could be in fine condition, but if you’re a trendy homeowner, that can be enough to renovate.  In the flooring industry, we call this “ugly-out”.

Ugly-out carpet can happen as the home improvement trends change.  This happens approximately every seven years.  It’s also important to go with a company that keeps their products updated.  Manufacturers update their products with new features that become available with science and technological advancements.  If you’re updating, make sure you get the new stain-proofing and wear upgrades.

7. Definitely Replace Carpet if there’s Mold and Mildew

If your home has a high-moisture content, your carpet can be susceptible to mold and mildew. Wet carpet can host many issues that would need replacing.

If you’re dealing with this issue and its causing problems with your health, get that carpet out of your house and add new carpeting as soon as possible.  The Carpet Guys will rip up and haul away your old flooring for you.  Unfortunately, the only way to know if your flooring can be replaced is to remove the old flooring.  Some moisture problems can seep into the sub-floor and may need to be addressed by a professional before installing your new flooring.  Otherwise, you may have issues repeatedly.  Call a Design Consultant and they can help you understand what needs to be done for your flooring replacement and good health.

8. Carpet Moths

This isn’t much of a common issue, but it does happen. Carpet moths (also known as clothes moths) are attracted to protein-based stains in fabrics.

If you live in an area where carpet moths are common, this is something to look out for.

Is it time to replace your old carpeting? Need a professional to handle your project? Be Wise, Call The Carpet Guys at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) and we can guide you in handling any of the above issues.  You can also come see us in one of our four locations: Troy, Rochester Hills, Howell and Lenox, or set up a Free In-Home Estimate with our online scheduler.

The post 8 Signs You Need to Replace Old Carpet appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

Have you ever walked into a room and cringed at the sound? Every footstep you take, it echoes throughout the room.

That’s one of the biggest reasons people are leery of moving to certain types of flooring. They’ve heard horror stories about laminate, for example, and won’t even consider it as an option.

While your flooring choice does have some impact on how soundproof your room will be, a lot of it stems from how the flooring was installed.

Homes are meant to be lived in. And if you’re overly cautious about how you walk around a room, or what activities you partake in just to avoid creating sounds, it’s time to consider other options.

Understanding noise

Inside a home, there are two different types of sound that impact your lifestyle:

Footfall noise – this happens with every step you take. It’s the noise you make from walking across the floor. It also applies to the way appliances or other machinery connects and moves on the floor. It’s sounds coming from floor joists and bad connections. It’s the energy used with everything that moves across the floor.

Airborne noise – these are sounds that come from other sources inside your home. The television. People talking. Music. It’s the way the sound vibrates throughout the room, and flows from place to place.

The quieter you want your home to be, the more focus needs to be placed on both types of soundproofing. It starts with the floor – an absorbing underlayment can help reduce both kinds of noise.

It’s not just the flooring you choose – it’s the underlayment too

Where a lot of homeowners go astray when budgeting for new flooring is thinking that the entire cost is quoted with the material they select. If you’ve ever gone to your local big box store, you might be pleasantly surprised to see popular flooring choices for a few dollars a square foot. This is doable, you might think. But what they aren’t posting is all the different things you should also be considering.

Hardwood and laminate floors

These can be challenging to soundproof because they are by default, hard floors. Any hard surface will amplify footfall noise and airborne noise. To reduce the sounds vibrating throughout your room, it starts with the right underlayment to help deaden the noise. An underlayment helps create a gap between the subfloor and the actual hardwood or laminate you install. Because the hardwood or laminate is “floating” above the subfloor, it takes the pressure off any force that would apply to the construction of the home.

Ceramic tile

Ceramic tile is often similar to hardwood in the way it amplifies noise. The key to reducing noise is in the underlayment. However, it’s crucial to choose one that can be placed under mortar and will work well with stone and tile. It needs to work at both soundproofing as well as help prevent cracking, which is always an issue if ceramic tile isn’t laid into place without gaps underneath.

Carpet

Carpet is one of the easiest flooring choices to soundproof because of the fibers themselves. Its soft, dense material will minimize both footfall and airborne sounds. But even if you choose to carpet for your home, there are things you can do to reduce sounds even more. For carpet, it starts with the pad. A thick, high quality pad softens every step you take, and reduces the noise that comes up from the subfloor and out into your room.

If you want to further increase the soundproofing, you can even install an underlayment below the padding to soften noises even further. This can be a great option for people working from home. If you’ve started podcasting, or training via Zoom, this may be the right choice for you to create a quiet environment.

Are you remodeling or soundproofing existing floors? 

If you’re remodeling, changing out floors and adding new walls, you have more options than if you’re dealing with an existing floor. Lots of products and materials are now available to help you create a more silent atmosphere.

Damping compounds can be applied between drywall, plywood, and other materials in your walls and floors. It’s a great way to reduce the sounds of both footfall and airborne noises.

Floor joist isolators are made from plastic or foam and can be installed right over the floor joists to help lessen the impact of noises.

Resilient channels will also help reduce noise by placing spacers between drywall and floor joists. Working similarly to the isolators, they are used to soften the impact of wood connections, and lessen the likelihood they’ll squeak and make noises.

Other things you can do to soundproof your home

There are only so many things you can do to limit the amount of sound vibrating as you walk across your flooring. If you live in a multiple family unit – a condo or a townhome, for example – in addition to the ambient noise you make inside your home, you’ll also be dealing with noise from your neighbors.

Sound is created from everything you do. If you modify other things in your room, you can create a sound barrier between rooms, and even between units.

An empty room will be louder than one filled with decor. Pay attention to the type of furniture you bring in to fill up your space. Upholstered furniture will help absorb sound – the fibers work similarly to carpeting. Add throw pillows to add a splash of color as well as muffle sounds. And instead of selecting glass or wood tables, why not use upholstered ottomans instead? Place them against a wall, and it will further reduce noise.

Don’t leave walls bare as this will also increase the level of noise. Add drapery to your windows, and add photographs or artwork to the walls. Many people like clean lines of plantation shutters, or blinds for blocking out light. But it’s fabric-based window coverings that will provide you insulation from both noise and weather elements. Don’t forget to cover all windows and doors, including large patio doors or windows that are high up near your vaulted ceilings. They all add into the amount of sound vibrating through each of your rooms.

Trying to soundproof your home, and looking for the best flooring to suit your needs? Stop by today, and we’ll help you make the right choice for your home.

The post Your Flooring Can Help You Soundproof Your Home first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

Thinking of expanding your family? Adding a new baby to the family?

There are a lot of things you need to get ready for a child. After you buy the crib and invest in a shelf of diapers, you might start looking at the safety factors throughout your home.

• Are your cabinets locked and safe?
• Do you have padding on the corners of your table to prevent injury in case of a fall?
• Do you have flooring that is toddler friendly?

Not sure what toddler friendly flooring means?

Why some floors are better for families

As babies grow, a lot changes in their worlds. They roll. They crawl. They fall down as they learn to walk. They bump into things with their unsteady wobbles.

Their entire world remains on the floor for the first few years of their lives.

Do you really want them in close contact with old carpet, or hard floors that can bruise their tiny knees?

At the same time, you don’t have to give up beauty and style for the sake of having a soft flooring perfect for your child. It is possible to have both.

Carpet – One of the most popular flooring materials for bedrooms, playrooms, and even living spaces is carpet. While plush fibers are soft and warm, and feel good on the knees and toes, you can also consider Berber. A low pile works well in playrooms as tiny toys won’t get lost in the fibers. It’s also soft on tender knees, and pads falls as they learn to walk.

LVT – If you haven’t considered vinyl, it may be time to give it a second look. Luxury vinyl tiles are one of the most popular flooring choices because it’s waterproof. Yes, waterproof. And that can be a big deal for active families. Luxury vinyl tile isn’t the vinyl you grew up with. Instead, LVT and LVP – luxury vinyl planks – look like the most popular flooring on the market, yet offer additional benefits that work well for homeowners.

LVT and LVP take on the appearance of hardwood, stone, and tile, yet add the benefit of being waterproof. LVT products are built in layers that give them their good looks while at the same time being durable and waterproof. The layers also build in padding that makes it softer to the touch than flooring choices like hardwood and tile. That softens the blow as kids are learning to crawl and walk. It also prevents accidents as they drop things.

Plus LVT looks so realistic, it fools even the experts. It’s growing in popularity because of its durability. You can install it anywhere in your home and have it be durable as well as good looking.

Hardwood – Homeowners still love their hardwood. If this is you, never fear, hardwood is always a good choice. Hardwood is softer than tile, and its classic good looks will last for decades. If you do have issues, you can sand it down and refinish it. That makes it a great choice for growing families that want to have hardwood for life in their forever homes.

Don’t forget about stairs

While many families consider flooring for their living spaces, bedrooms, and play areas, they often forget about stairs. Staircases are one of the biggest danger zones for children.

If you select the wrong flooring, the stairs may be too slippery.

If you choose incorrectly, it might not cushion a fall.

If you do choose hardwood, there are ways to make it safe.

Above all, ensure you place child-proof gates at the top and bottom of the stairs. This prevents your curious toddler from climbing up and falling down.

If you still prefer your hardwood for looks and wear, there are many ways to make them safer. Consider adding a carpet runner to soften the blow as you take each step. You can also install non-skid step pads to make your stairs safer. If you aren’t sure of how to install any of these for safety, it’s best to leave it to a professional that will ensure your stairs are as safe as possible.

Add an area rug for increased safety

Many people prefer hardwood, they install it as they move into their homes. Yet with a new addition to your growing family, you want to add softness and safety to your home too.

Area rugs are a great solution. You can get area rugs in every size, color, pattern, and thickness you desire. Want softness throughout your room? You can choose a size that covers the entire living space. Want to accent your decor? You can customize sizes to create your desired look.

The key is in ensuring they stay secure on the floor, won’t slip and slide as you walk on them, and won’t be a hazard for anyone that walks over them. Ensure you buy a non-skid rug pad that will hold your rug securely to the floor. Also pay attention to its impact on your flooring. You don’t want a ruined floor when you decide to pick up your rug and change it out.

Choosing flooring for health benefits too

Today’s families are also more conscious of how building materials impact health as well.

Many websites will talk about the impact flooring can have on health.

• Carpeting can off-gas and add chemicals into the air supply.
• Vinyl may have volatile organic compounds that can impact respiratory conditions.
• Glues and epoxies can add to your health concerns.

It’s enough to make any new parent worried and overwhelmed.

Keep in mind that as many things as you read online, manufacturers are also listening to the rhetoric and doing something about it.

Pay attention to manufacturers’ guidelines, and you’ll find many products that will not add chemical compounds into your home. Vinyl floors now emit relatively low levels of VOCs, and if you pay attention, you can get that as low as possible.

Want safe carpeting? Why not move to an all-natural fiber such as wool?

If you’re worried about glues and epoxies, there are many different options. How about installing click-and-lock technology that allows you to install a floating floor without using dangerous chemicals.

As a new family, if you have concerns about the products you bring into your home, stop by and let us show you your options. One of the benefits of working with a flooring expert is we understand your concerns, as well as what’s on the market. We won’t sell you our preferred product, we want you to buy what’s right for you. We want you to be happy with your choice. We can walk you through the benefits of several different types of flooring, and ensure you get the perfect floor for your growing family.

What questions can we answer for you?

The post Choose Flooring That Makes Your Floors More Toddler Friendly first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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You may have two loves in this world: your dog and your hardwood floors. You may have thought that those two things cannot exist simultaneously. However, we have news for you–there are some hardwood floors that will be just fine with your furry friend. Here is information on which type of hardwood floors will be perfect for your pampered pet.

Types of Hardwood Floors for Dog Lovers

You need to know up front that the best hardwood floors for dogs are hard woods, rather than soft woods. You need to avoid these wood floors, because they are soft, which means dog claws can scratch them easily: American cherry, American walnut, carbonized bamboo, cedar, fir, and pine. One type of hardwood you may want to try is hard maple. It is so hard that it has been used for years as a basketball court flooring.

You can also choose hardwood flooring choices that are already distressed, or that are recycled from old buildings. These hardwoods have stood up to the test of time, and can take a little more wear and tear. Because they are vintage, they are also flawed–so a couple more claw marks aren’t going to make a difference. Also, check for hardwoods that have a strong wood grain pattern, because it is easier to hide claw marks and other doggie flaws.

One more tip: skip over that glossy finish that everyone loves if you have a dog. Those doggy claw marks will show up quickly on the glossy floor. You’ll want to get a matte finish or a satin finish instead. That way, your dog’s marks won’t show up as easily.

When you’re ready to talk to someone about your flooring issues, you need to give Flooring.org a call. Call us anytime at 800-689-9006. You can also contact us at [email protected] for advice or information.

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

Leaving the right expansion gap is an essential part of fitting any wooden floor. Whether it be solid wood, engineered wood or parquet block flooring, they all need an expansion gap to allow for natural movements when the wood expands and contracts with changes in the surrounding atmosphere.

An expansion gap is a small space left around the perimeter of the room.  For hardwood floors it is recommended that a gap of at least 12mm is left around the entire edge of the room, including all doorways, fireplaces, and around any pipework. Read More

This is Step 9 – The Clean Up and Furniture Move, in our blog series of 10 Easy Steps to New Flooring. Be sure to check out the other detailed steps in the series (see links below).  This series is meant to help those new to The Carpet Guys Family understand the process of getting new flooring.  Let’s continue taking the guess work out of your flooring purchase…

The Clean Up

Once the flooring you carefully chose has been installed by our professional installation team, and all the transitions and moldings have been placed, it’s time to clean up our mess.  For a hard surface installation (hard surface includes laminate, luxury vinyl plank/tile, engineered hardwood or hardwood) the installer will have the remaining boxes stacked wherever you want them stored.  The installer will place any planks you don’t want in the garbage or haul them away.

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For a roll installation (rolls include carpet and sheet vinyl flooring) and you want to keep any remaining pieces, make sure to let your installer know before the installation, so they can roll it up and set it aside for you.  If you don’t want to keep any scraps, they will be hauled away or set at the curb.

The team will also clean up any cutting and installation tools they used.  This may include a table saw, extension cords, knives and blades, buckets of glue, seam iron, power stretcher, hammers, nail guns, etc.  Just a reminder, as you can see by the list of tools, flooring installation is a MAJOR home renovation.  This type of construction is not conducive to small children or pets.  Please keep your family safe by keeping them AWAY from installation materials and tools until the clean up is complete!

Dumpster for Clean Up

Sometimes, The Carpet Guys may decide you need to have a dumpster or other type of removal done.  If you want us to, we can schedule a dumpster delivery. We can also take care of the dumpster pickup.  Make sure to let your Design Consultant know that you want this done when he is preparing your contract.  There may be a fee associated with this service.

Vacuuming or Sweeping

Once the installation team has cleaned up the old debris and loose materials, they will either sweep with a broom, or vacuum your new flooring.  For a carpet installation, it’s important to vacuum. This helps pull up any loose fibers and return the carpet to it’s former plushness before being rolled for installation.  They will trim any fibers that sit above the pile, so your carpet looks uniform.

Return the Furniture

Now the installing crew will return any furniture that had to be moved to complete the installation.  Make sure that you are present when this clean up process happens. That way, you can make sure to get the pieces back exactly where you want them.  They may not be aware that your TV goes on that table and you need it pulled away from the wall to reconnect your cords.  Or that you put a lamp on the dresser, and you need it shifted to the left for plug access.  Again, make sure you have requested this service with your salesperson.  It’s important that any furniture moving is on your contract so we can send a crew large enough to safely move it.

If you’re interested in having The Carpet Guys take care of ALL your flooring needs, including the clean up, then Be Wise and call The Carpet Guys at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or fill out our Free In-Home Estimate form. We can guide you through all the steps of getting your new floors!

1. Free Design Consultant
2. Measuring Your Space
3. Making Your Installation Appointment
4. The Installer Calls
5. Installation Preparation
6. Moving Your Furniture
7. Rip Up and Haul Away Old Flooring
8. The Installation

The post What to Expect from The Carpet Guys: Step 9 appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

Pets. They’re a loved part of our families.

If you have a pet in your home, you know the extra work that goes into keeping them safe and comfortable. It also takes extra work to ensure your home stays in good working condition.

Ever had a pet’s urine impact your flooring? Ever had water issues soak through to the subfloor?

Ever had to replace your carpet long before its time because of noticeable stains and smells?

If you’re trying to avoid pet problems as you install new carpet, one of your best courses of action is to invest in better carpet padding.

The purpose of carpet padding

The main purpose of carpet padding is to protect your carpet. The pad is a barrier – a cushion – between the fibers of the carpet above wearing against the material in the subfloor. It also helps with impact from heavy furniture or foot traffic as you walk across.

It’s up to your carpet pad to:

• Create a soft feel as you walk across.
• Create a more efficient way of cleaning your carpet. A proper pad will allow the vacuum to raise the carpet slightly, pulling dirt from the depths, which can cause allergic reactions.
• Create a barrier from the floor beneath to your room above. It’s the carpet pad that can help give a room warmth. Pay attention to the R-value of the carpet pad, which measures the pad’s ability to have heat passing through it.
• Create noise reduction. This is especially true between floor levels, when you want to keep sounds from upstairs flowing through to the floor below.

Carpet padding construction

In most cases, carpet padding is made from one of three materials.

Foam – there are three different types of foam used today in pad production. Prime polyurethane foam is created by combining two liquids, cut into sheets to form cushioned padding. This is what you’ll find in upholstered furniture and mattresses in addition to carpet padding. Bonded polyurethane foam is formed by combining shredded pieces of foam, and is a great recycled option. Froth polyurethane foam is directly applied to the back of some carpets, eliminating the process of laying both into place. This is especially useful in commercial applications.

Rubber – rubber carpet padding comes in two constructions. Waffle rubber is a soft, resilient pad that is often used in residential applications. Flat sponge rubber is a dense pad that is normally used in commercial settings.

Fiber – fiber padding uses existing fiber materials that are woven together into a felt sheet. You’ll find natural fibers made from jute or even animal hair, or synthetic fibers that include nylon, polyester, polypropylene, and acrylics. Synthetic fibers do well in all kinds of foot traffic applications.

What about waterproof padding?

When you’re out shopping for carpet, some flooring companies may recommend a moisture barrier padding to eliminate the worry of pet accidents on your carpet. But, do they work?

A moisture barrier padding is a carpet pad that has an extra layer designed to prevent liquids from passing through from the carpet to the padding and ultimately down to the subfloor. It also prevents the reverse from happening, from having liquid vapor rise from the base floor up through the padding and into the carpet fibers.

This type of carpet pad is designed to make moisture less of a problem. Instead of worrying about a stain setting in, the moisture barrier prevents liquid from moving down, impacting your subfloor. The protection makes it possible to blot the liquid away. It removes all traces of the liquid – the stain and the smell.

Does it work?

If you dump water directly on the padding, you’ll see that the water sits on top of the moisture barrier. It will work … if you use the product in the correct manner.

The problem is twofold.

First, the only way to ensure you receive all the benefits from moisture-resistant carpet padding is to ensure your carpet installer knows what they are doing. Even carpet installers who have been in the business for years can handle the product the wrong way if they are in a hurry or aren’t trained correctly. This is where relying on a high quality flooring company can ensure you purchase the right product and have it installed correctly.

Also, pay attention to changes as the material ages. Brand new carpet padding with a moisture barrier will hold the liquid on top and prevent it from seeping through. But the more you walk on it, the more the padding adjusts, the greater the chance of a crack forming in the material itself. When your pet urinates, most of the liquid will sit on top, giving you the chance to blot it away. Some might seep through the hole or crack – even just a trace amount – and that’s where your potential problems begin.

This small amount of liquid is now trapped under the moisture barrier, where it can pool and run in different directions along the subfloor.

It can sit there for weeks, months, without causing a problem. But when it does, it can impact a lot more than just your carpeting.

It can also work in reverse. The carpet padding may handle well from protecting urine from penetrating down through the material and into the subfloor. But if you use it in a basement, for example, moisture from the ground can settle in without a place to go. It sits and builds below the moisture barrier, causing additional problems.

Look for high quality products

If you’re looking to avoid pet problems with your carpet down the road, it’s a good idea to start with better carpet padding from the moment you install it.

Go with a brand name you can trust – one that has stood the test of time. We carry several top rated brands that we will gladly recommend to you.

Stainmaster, for example, has a PetProtect carpet and padding system that can help your carpet look good and handle well in all kinds of situations. This product uses the moisture barrier to lock moisture away from penetrating down into the fibers, making it easier to clean. It’s also designed to reduce the smell that can sometimes occur, especially with repeat problems.

If you’re in the market for new carpeting, don’t ignore what you place underneath your carpets. Investigate what goes underneath your carpets too.

Have further questions? We’re just a phone call away.

The post Trying To Avoid Pet Problems? Invest In Better Carpet Padding first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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