Month: February 2021

You have your hardwood floors installed. Now it’s time to add an area rug.

Where do you start?

If you’re like most homeowners, it starts with size and color. You measure your space, determine the size you need, and start to shop. You’ll find area rugs in every color – blue, green, red – and every pattern you can imagine. Whether you have something plain in mind, or want wild with a pop of color, you can find what you’re looking for with a thorough search.

But what you may not look for can actually affect longevity of your area rug. If you don’t pay attention to the backing, edging, and padding of your area rug, it can make you have buyer’s remorse sooner rather than later.

Edging options for area rugs

Most area rugs need a finish around the edges to prevent them from fraying or unraveling. This isn’t a one size fits all process. You’ll find many different options.

A standard edging is most common, and is often used on a variety of broadloom carpets. It’s also the least expensive, which is why you’ll see this most frequently on area rugs. It’s designed to blend in rather than call attention to it.

A serging binding edge is created with yarn stitches over the binding itself. It’s also designed to blend in with the rug, and not call attention to the finishing work.

3 to 5 inch binding is often used to add a decorative touch to the rug itself. Depending on color, it can blend in or coordinate and stand out. You’ll find three-inch binding used on lower pile, with the five-inch on low to medium carpet options.

Backing options for area rugs

Flip your area rug over and you’ll find the backing is created in different ways. Depending on performance requirements, backing is created from a variety of different fiber options.

Many area rugs use an attached non-slip rubber backing for safety. This non-slip backing is glued into place and installed so that the rug cannot move once it’s laid into place over a hard surface. This option doesn’t add cushion to the rug, but it does add protection for the hard floor surface area, as well as ensure that the rug won’t move once you set it into place.

Other area rugs add an attached felt pad that ensures the fibers from the rug material won’t harm the flooring underneath in any way. This is an inexpensive way for manufacturers to bind the fibers together, as well as ensure they won’t damage flooring. If you will be laying an area rug over carpet, this is the best way to go.

Of course, what type of backing is used is determined by the manufacturer. You’ll often find different fibers in place to offer you more benefits and options. Felt backing can be hypoallergenic and be made from sustainably sourced materials. This can be a good option if you’re looking for ways to decrease your carbon footprint. Latex backings can increase wearability, and offer non-slip qualities you need for your home. This makes accessing your needs carefully a requirement before you start shopping for your area rug.

Rug padding or underlayment options

While the edging and backing are a part of the area rug selection, the rug padding or underlayment you choose are optional and dependent on your needs. A rug pad is the material that rests between the surface of your floor and the backing of the area rug. It’s an extra layer of material that helps you increase safety and prevents tripping or falling if the rug shifts and moves. It’s a cushion for your feet as well as protection for your area rug, so it’s important to spend some time selecting the right one.

Do you need a rug pad? 

If you place an area rug in your home, it’s beneficial to have a rug pad in place. Why?

• Rug pads increase your safety, ensuring the rug stays in place
• Rug pads add comfort, giving your area rug more wearability
• Rug pads protect the flooring from scratches from furniture legs and movement
• Rug pads add protection to the rug itself, helping it last longer and maintain its shape better
• Rug pads help you clean, preventing movement every time you vacuum your rug
• Rug pads reduce friction and movement between the fibers of the rug and your floor

Are you sold on an area rug pad? Now the question is: Which one?

Choosing a rug pad

You’ll find rug pads or underlayments in several styles.

Grip only pads are the thinnest on the market. They are great for outdoor space because they won’t be impacted by moisture. They also work well in high-traffic areas because they add a lower profile to the finish. That means your doors will swing without a problem, and you’ll reduce the possibility of tripping.

Cushioned pads add softness to the area rug. That makes this the perfect choice in rooms where your family will hang out. Use them in bedrooms or playrooms where your kids are often lying on the floor. These are also good in family rooms and other main floor areas where you want to mute the sound and bring down the noise factor.

Grip and cushion pads combine the benefits of both into one rug pad. You’ll receive just the right amount of grip to keep the area rug in place, while also adding warmth and comfort at the same time. Keep in mind that with many pads, you can customize them and cut them to fit into place.

What other options do you need?

We realize homeowners have designed their homes to be unique, adding just the right personality to please. What are you looking for in an area rug? What questions can we answer for you?

Whether you’re just starting the looking process, or are ready to narrow down your selections and buy, we can help you find the perfect area rug for your home. One you’ll love for years to come.

The post A Guide To Backing, Edging, and Padding For Your Area Rug first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

Thinking about your next hardwood flooring project? If you spent January dreaming about hardwood flooring, February means it’s time to act. You may have heard myths about your hardwood flooring choices. Here are five myths about hardwood flooring that aren’t true.

Hardwood Flooring Myths

First, there are a lot of people who believe that hardwood floors are high maintenance. In fact, hardwood floors are easier to maintain than carpeted floors are, especially in high traffic areas where pets abound. Usually, hardwood floors only require sweeping and dust mopping, while carpeted floors require daily vacuuming and sometimes steaming to keep them clean.

Second, you may think that hardwood floors are easy to scratch. While some varieties of hardwoods can scratch easily, many hardwood floors, such as oak, are scratch resistant. In fact, oak flooring resists scratches from dog paws or dropped objects such as a pan. Also, hardwood floors are no more susceptible to pets than any other type of flooring. We recommend that you house train your dogs before you let them loose anywhere in your house, including your hardwood floors.

You may have heard that hardwood floors can’t be used in the kitchen. If you are worried about water damage, you may want to try engineered hardwoods, which are water resistant. Engineered hardwood floors contain layers of hardwood interspersed with plywood. This makes them more durable, and more environmentally friendly, since recycled wood is often used in engineered hardwoods. These hardwood floors are also less expensive than traditional floors, which means that are easier to afford if you are on a budget.

When you are ready to talk about your next hardwood flooring project, we hope you’ll think of us. You can give Flooring.org a call at 800-689-9006!

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

If you have decided to have a Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) floor, then you will more than likely need some vinyl flooring accessories to go along side the flooring.  Whether the accessories are to help you to fit the floor, add the finishing touches or help you to keep the floor clean once it is installed, we have everything you may need. Read More

The Carpet Guys have been in the flooring business for over 10 years.  As experts in the field, we frequently get asked all types of flooring questions.  But the things people don’t ask are often the most important questions that need answers.  We want to help you understand if bed bugs can live in carpet.

What is a Bed Bug?

A bed bug is a small, flat, reddish-brown insect that feeds on human and animal blood.  They may get their name because they tend to hide in crevices of bed frames, box springs, headboards, etc.  These tiny critters tend to come out only to feed.  They move slowly so they need to stay near their food source.  When they feed, they can leave a small, itchy bump like a mosquito bite.

How to Tell if You Have Bed Bugs

As expected, because they’re so small, it’s very difficult to figure out if you have bed bugs if you’re not a professional.  The most obvious sign is the marks they leave on the persons body after feeding.  Often it’s a line or cluster of small, itchy bumps on the skin.  Next, you can look for excrement left behind.  These would be tiny dark spots that look like dried blood on sheets, the bed frame, flooring, etc. (see image).

Can Bed Bugs Live in my Carpet?

Unfortunately, bed bugs can live in your carpet, especially if it is a shaggy style.  Since they are approximately the size of an apple seed, it’s easy for them to tuck between the fibers. If you have hard surface flooring installed in your home make sure you use rugs that are washable in hot water.  If you prefer carpet, get a dense, tightly woven carpet style.  It will be more difficult for insects to get between the fibers.  To learn more about carpet density check out our blog “How to Choose a Cozy Carpet”.  And be sure to vacuum regularly with a HEPA filtered vacuum.

If you suspect you may already have an infestation, we recommend contacting a local pest control company to exterminate professionally before having your flooring replaced.  They will give you a certificate that you can provide to your flooring sales representative.  And we carry all the best hard surface (laminate, LVP/LVT, sheet vinyl, engineered hardwood and hardwood) and high-density carpets to help protect your family.

If you want to be proactive and have your flooring replaced with a type of hard surface flooring or tightly woven carpet, The Carpet Guys have a wide range of options to choose from.  We can send a Design Consultant to your home to help you decide which flooring option would be best for your home and budget.  Call now 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or fill out our Free In-Home Estimate form and we will get your new flooring installed! 

The post Can Bed Bugs Live in Carpet? appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

Are you in the middle of planning a remodel for your home? Are you dreaming of new carpets in the bedroom? Or maybe a plush carpet in the family media room?

Before you get excited about the color, the style, or the pattern, maxing out your budget on your selection, there’s another thing to consider: the padding.

Selecting padding isn’t about choosing the cheapest in stock. Not just any padding will do. You need to select one that works best with the type of carpet you install.

The purpose of carpet padding

How well your carpet performs in the years to come isn’t based entirely on the quality of carpet you install. It’s also determined by the padding.

Padding absorbs the impact of foot traffic. Without a high quality pad, the lifespan of your carpet is shortened. Padding is a shock absorber between the carpet and the subfloor. The more impact, the more damage is done.

Padding also muffles sounds, and adds a layer of thermal insulation. And that can be a big deal here in Colorado, especially on a cold winter’s night. Plus there’s something about digging your toes deep into a plush carpet on a cold morning. The softness just feels good, doesn’t it?

Padding can also protect your warranty. Some manufacturers actually require certain padding to maintain the warranty. If you don’t follow their guidelines, you might not have a warranty in place from the moment you install it.

Indentation testing and ranking

The purpose of padding is to take the abuse of foot traffic and give your carpet added protection throughout its lifespan. Manufacturers have set up ways to rate carpet cushion performance based on the density of the padding.

You might find rankings listed using a number of different terms:

• Indentation load deflection – LDL
• Indentation force deflection – IFD
• Compression load deflection – CLD
• Compression force deflection – CFD

All of these and more have been used to describe the test method for evaluating carpet cushion.

Essentially, what these methods do is evaluate the limits of the padding. A sample is taken and fed into a machine that applies pressure to determine the firmness, stiffness, and load-bearing capacity of the sample itself.

While they all have the same goal, their methods vary. That means you can’t necessarily evaluate one product to the next easily. Firmness affects performance. A higher quality padding means more comfort and better performance. It also helps your carpet last longer, and keeps it looking newer throughout its lifespan.

Another look at carpet pad thickness

We live in a world where bigger is better. If something is larger, thicker, or more expensive, we automatically assume it’s the best.

Not so with carpet padding. Thicker padding isn’t always the best for your situation.

Most carpets on the market today call for a pad that is 7/16” in height. However, that isn’t always the case.

If you choose to install a Berber carpet, for example, manufacturers may suggest moving down in height size for the padding. A thicker pad can have too much give, and cause movement underneath the carpet. This can cause damage to the carpet.

This is another reason to visit our flooring store, where our job is based solely on education and ensuring you get the most from the flooring material you select. Saying “yes” to internet deals, or choosing something from a big box store will allow a salesperson to sell you on what they have in stock. It might not be what’s the best for what you’re selecting, which means your giving up lifespan almost from the start.

Understanding pad weight

We mentioned pad weight is important in the ranking process, but it deserves a little more attention.

Density is typically measured in pounds. When you shop for a pad, you’ll most likely see it listed somewhere between 3 and 10 pounds. Most manufacturers suggest an 8 pound pad for best results. This gives structure and firmness underneath your carpet, and ensures wearability throughout the life of your carpet.

Padding weight will also change based on the type of padding you select.

• Foam – is usually between 2 to 5 pounds
• Frothed foam – 12 pounds or more for maximum durability
• Rebond – you’ll find it in the 5 to 10 pound range, but go with 6 or greater for maximum durability
• Memory foam – this comes with higher densities in the 18 to 22 range
• Synthetic – you’ll often find this rated in ounces instead of pounds. 40 ounces, would be right at 7 pounds
• Waffle rubber – this also is listed in ounces, many dealers prefer 90 ounces or more for maximum performance

Which padding material is for you?

Let’s look at each of the different types of carpet padding and discuss their pros and cons.

Foam pad – foam padding is at the bottom of the list. It’s often the least expensive, and you’ll likely find this included on deals – if a dealer offers free padding, this is most likely what you’ll get. This product breaks down quickly, and most likely won’t last more than 3 to 5 years. This can be good for temporary solutions, but for any longevity, it’s better to move into a higher quality pad.

Frothed foam – what separates frothed foam from standard foam padding is the way it’s manufactured. Foam has gas added to the mixture, which can create air pockets. Frothed foam is a much sturdier pad, and can and will last the life of any carpet you choose. It’s also at the other end of the cost spectrum, however, being one of the most expensive pads on the market.

Rebond – rebond is one of the most popular pads because it’s in the middle of effectiveness and price. You’ll find this handles well in many situations, without adding too much cost to your overall purchase. Pay attention to the warranty of the carpet you select, however, because not all carpets allow rebond padding to be placed underneath.

Memory foam – you are probably familiar with the way this feels from purchasing a mattress for your bed. It can be a great pad choice for longevity and standing up well in high traffic situations. Yet be careful with quality. Memory foam squishes down. Over time, that can impact the performance of your carpet. Be sure the two work well together before you invest in this type of padding.

Synthetic – synthetic pads are fibrous and aren’t very spongy. That makes these a good choice for Berber carpets and other natural fibers. Consider synthetic pads if your warranty directs you to this option.

Waffle rubber – this offers similar durability as rebond, but can be higher priced. It performs in a similar manner to rebond padding.

What other questions do you have about carpet padding?

The post Shop For Padding Along With Your Carpet first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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When you’re planning to sell your home, a lot of things go through your mind. You might be excited about the new property you’re purchasing, but you can’t forget to make your current home look its best.

So you slap on a new coat of paint. You fix the dripping faucet that’s leaked for months. You box up a few of your belongings to try and give it a clean look. But is it enough?

Take a second look at your flooring – it’s one of the most important features a new homeowner will look for. It makes a big impression from the moment they walk through the door.

Is the hardwood dull and scuffed? Is the carpet filled with stains? Does the vinyl look like it’s been there since 1982?

Why People Move

According to a study put out by the National Association of Realtors Research Group, 35 percent of US homeowners prefer to move to a new space rather than remodeling the one they’re living in. Think that number has risen as we adjust to our lives beyond COVID? We’re seeing movement everywhere as people relocate and find new places to call home.

When they walk into a home for the first time, curb appeal is everything. Some won’t even walk through the front door if it doesn’t “feel right” as they drive up. Once inside, modernization matters. Do they like what they see? Or do they start adding projects to their improvement lists? The closer the two meet, the more likely they’ll put a bid in on your property.

What People Want 

It should come as no surprise that when people enter a home, hardwood flooring will tick one of the first boxes off their list. Hardwood flooring has been in demand for years, and will continue to be there for years to come.

However, it’s not as simple as that anymore. Buyers like hardwood, but they also pay attention to functionality. Sometimes hardwood just doesn’t make sense. And that’s when buyers look for flow.

Have you ever walked through a house where there are different flooring choices in every room? You move from hardwood to tile to carpet, with vinyl thrown in for good measure. The transitions are all wrong. The colors don’t even match. It’s a hodgepodge mess. It just doesn’t work.

People want transition. They want a solid look throughout the home. They love to see hardwood in the main areas, including stairways and hallways. But if there’s carpet in the bedrooms? That’s okay. Consistency matters most. It has to make sense to how they see their lives operating if they were to move in.

And the worst thing you can have is two different hardwoods touching. If you installed hardwood in one room with hopes of adding on slowly, beware of how it looks as it moves from each section on. Again, it’s the puzzle piece layout that leaves a potential buyer with dreams of ripping it up.

Hardwood Flooring – Lots of Options

If you’re remodeling your home with the hopes of increasing resale value, it’s also important to pay attention to your market.

If you’re at the high end of the luxury market, you can better believe buyers will be looking for top of the line hardwood. Think exotic wood would turn a buyer’s head? There’s nothing like adding a product that’s hard to find into the mix, to help make the home unique and one of a kind.

If you do choose to install exotic hardwood, just be sure you do so in a sustainable way. Reputable suppliers will practice responsible and sustainable production, and will be aligned with organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council to ensure it remains environmentally friendly.

Another option may be to choose hand scraped hardwood flooring. This provides hand scraped planks that provide a retro or vintage look. Each plank will have its own unique look. When combined, it creates a look that many luxury homebuyers yearn for.

Not every home sits firmly in the luxury marketplace. That doesn’t mean there aren’t high quality products that give you beautiful results.

Luxury vinyl tile is one of the hottest flooring trends to come along. Maybe it’s because it’s easy to clean, easy to maintain, and offers you a waterproof flooring option you won’t find with traditional hardwood.

We think it’s also because of its good looks. Thanks to modern technology, today’s luxury vinyl tiles look so close to the real thing, even experts have taken a second look. They imitate some of the most popular flooring choices on the market, from exotic wood to stone flooring. You can find color choices at all ends of the spectrum. Want a wood floor as close to black as you can get? You’ll find it. Looking for a whitewash to brighten up your home? You’ll find that too.

Luxury vinyl tile offers a lot of what hardwood does, only it adds the waterproof part in it too. Plus you’ll find luxury vinyl tile is softer and warmer on the feed than traditional tile, and it’s slip resistant as well. You can install it in the bathroom and never give it another thought. Try that with exotic wood.

Your Flooring Should Make Sense

If you’re remodeling with the hopes of adding value to your property, you’re looking at it through your wallet. How can you improve the looks for as little hit to your budget as possible?

But a homebuyer looks at it as home. They want to move in and not have to think about flooring for a very long time.

Whether you’re thinking of installing carpet in the bedrooms or exotic hardwood throughout, the important part is creating a place that someone will want to call home.

Consistency is the first key. Don’t install new flooring in a couple of rooms because that’s all you can afford. Work within your budget restraints to choose a flooring that will give you results. It would be much more beneficial to select a lower grade material and refinish the entire home, then to install a higher quality in one or two rooms.

Second is quality. People look for options in a home that ensure they can move in and live with it for years to come. When in doubt, stick with neutral. This isn’t a choice for your home – this is about resale. And a homebuyer will be much happier with a clean, finished look that can look good no matter what their decor.

Carefully consider your options before making your final choice. While there isn’t one strategy that’s best, the right choice could make your home easier to sell, and bring in more money on the final offer as well.

The post What Flooring Adds The Most Value To Your Home? first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

When you are looking for a new floor, your options will depend on which room it is going into.  Different rooms in a home have different features that you may need to think about, like: how busy is the room? does it have excess water? and where abouts is the room.  Below is a guide to the best flooring options for different rooms throughout your home. Read More

South East Michigan has the benefit of having cheap flooring within reach.  If you’re one of those people endlessly searching for cheap flooring, look no further!  The Carpet Guys can take care of all your flooring installation needs. Read on to find out more and where to find us.

We Carry Tons of Top, American-Made Brands, Styles and Colors

If you want inexpensive carpet in a beautiful pattern to bring texture to your bland room, The Carpet Guys carry many in stock styles to choose from.  We can provide you with a memory foam padding that will make your feet think you’re walking on a cloud when you get out of bed in the morning!  Check out our blog on How to Pick the Coziest Carpet

If you’re interested in having a wood or tile looking floor but don’t want the expense of installing hardwood or trying to find someone to lay tile in the winter…The Carpet Guys can show you a vast amount of wood and tile-like styles that are water resistant and scratch resistant.  A perfect flooring type for your kitchen or high traffic areas.  Check out our blog on waterproof styles we can provide.

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We Have Inexpensive Options for Conscientious Shoppers

Maybe you’re a family with lots of allergies and need a hard surface material that’s easy to clean.  Or you care about the environment and want to work with a company that recycles…The Carpet Guys can take care of you!  We have many styles and varieties of hardwood, engineered hardwood, laminate, sheet vinyl and luxury vinyl planks and tiles for your allergy sufferers.  All these surfaces are easy to keep clean of debris and dust.

The Carpet Guys recycles most of the old padding we remove from your home.  We also carry carpet that uses recycled materials in its fibers. Check out our recycle blog for more information on our other ways of protecting the environment.

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Free In-Home Estimate for Pandemic Concerned Shoppers

Are you afraid to go to a showroom to figure out exactly what you’re looking for?  This pandemic has made lots of Michiganders interested in staying indoors…The Carpet Guys have a solution for that too!  We can send one of our professional Design Consultants to your home with samples to help you decide what flooring would be best for your busy household.  And, we carry carpet that has antimicrobial properties to help keep you and your family healthy and safe.  Check out our blog for more information.

If you’re interested in finding cheap flooring near you, you can visit us at any one of our showrooms in Troy, or inside our Meijer locations in Howell, Rochester Hills or Lenox.  We can also bring our showroom to you if you set up a Free In-Home Estimate at www.carpetguys.com/schedule or call us at 855-4-MY-GUYS.  The Carpet Guys are here to answer all your flooring questions!

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