Month: July 2021

Want to save money on carpet? Have a small space that needs carpet? Maybe your solution lies with carpet remnants.

There’s a lot of myths online about what carpet remnants truly are. Some think they are defective products. Some believe they are old, outdated, and out of style.

What carpet remnants are is leftover carpet.

Carpet comes in large rolls. When customers buy a particular carpet style, technicians take from the roll in proportion to what they need. Eventually, they come to the end of the roll, and what’s left is known as a remnant.

Because a carpet dealer doesn’t want to leave this particular style out for homeowners to consider, only to be disappointed when there isn’t enough to complete their entire job, they bring it to the back warehouse where it is sold as a carpet remnant. Carpet dealers often have a variety of remnant options, if you ask. Smaller dealers may purchase them directly from carpet manufacturers to have a selection on hand.

The pros of buying carpet remnants

If you’re in the market for a carpet remnant, you’ll find two big advantages: cost and convenience.

Because dealers can’t sell smaller carpet pieces at full value, they discount the remnant left at a lower cost. It depends on the size of the remnant as to how low the discount will go.

You’ll also be able to shop today and bring your purchase home with you as soon as you complete the transaction. You won’t have the normal wait time associated with special orders, and you won’t have to wait for a staff member to make the final cut to your specification. It’s a great way to complete a DIY project quickly.

The cons of buying carpet remnants

The biggest disadvantage of shopping for carpet remnants is the lack of selection. If you’re looking for a specific style, fiber, color, or pattern, you’re going to have to visit a lot of locations to get what you’re looking for. Chances are you’re going to settle on something that doesn’t meet your specifications perfectly.

Even if you are flexible in what you’re looking for, you’ll still be limited to what is currently on hand. Depending on the size of your area, you’ll have to ensure the remnant fits your specifications and fits without piecing it together.

Some stores may be willing to further cut down a remnant based on your needs. Some will be willing to sell a portion of the remnant, while others may have a “take it as is” policy. Remnant shopping usually works best when you have a lot of flexibility with what you’re looking for.

Why people shop for remnants

People usually shop for remnants for one of a few reasons.

First, they are looking to put carpeting down in a place that is seldom used. They don’t care as much about durability as they do making the space presentable.

They may be looking to spruce up a small space for a short period of time. Maybe they’re moving soon. Maybe they like change and plan to change out the carpet frequently. Maybe it’s a rental property with plans of frequent turnover.

They may also be looking for a small amount of carpet. Less is better in this situation to avoid having to piece a section together.

Finally, remnant shopping can also bring out creativity. How about piecing different colors together for a unique look? Or slicing it up to make an area rug? If you’re nervous about adding color in a big way, piecing together remnants may give you what you’re looking for inexpensively.

What you may not know about remnants

If you work with a large enough dealer, they may house remnants based on their current inventory. They know precisely what roll it came from, understand all the details such as manufacturer, brand, and name. They have the label to share with the full details of the remnant you’re investing in.

Other smaller dealers buy remnants from a variety of places, and may not fully understand the details of the remnant. They can make an educated guess based on their time in the industry. But without the label, it’s just a guess. You’ll never fully understand what you’re buying, type of fibers, or the details about durability.

One of the biggest downsides to investing in a carpet remnant is the lack of warranty. Remnants are most often sold “as is.” That means you don’t receive a warranty on the product, and you’ll deal with any after installation defects on your own.

Warranty really is important if you’re concerned with longevity and having the carpet piece look good for an extended period. If you’re simply looking for a cheap carpet to cover your floor for a short period of time, the warranty may not be a breaking point. However, the more traffic the room receives, the longer you plan on leaving it in place, warranties can be an important part of the installation process.

Final tips for purchasing carpet remnants

If you shop for a carpet remnant, be sure you know exactly what you’re looking for. Measure, then measure again. In most cases, sales will be final, so it’s important to have exact measurements to select a piece that suits your needs.

You may not have a great selection, but if you’re looking for a neutral carpet to finalize the decor, or for something to “get by” for a short period of time, this might be the perfect way to add carpet into your home.

You can also find deals if you’re willing to extend your search. Have a special need? Talk directly with a flooring associate. They can watch for your specifications and let you know when additions make it into their warehouse. They often have the inside track to getting you exactly what you need, on your budget and schedule.

Is carpet remnant shopping for you?

The post What You Should Know About Carpet Remnants first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

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When it comes to home renovations, there are a number of elements that come at a significant cost. Flooring is often one of them. Think about it; your flooring has to cover the entire area of your home. But it doesn’t always have to break the bank to achieve the desired aesthetic you’re wanting. In this blog, we’ll cover cheap flooring ideas that are alternatives to your expensive hardwood flooring. 

Laminate Flooring 

 

Where cheap flooring is concerned, laminate is a great option!

Laminate is renowned for being practical, budget friendly and excellently replicating real wood flooring in a wide range of colours and styles. So you can have a high performing floor at a low cost.

 

It is manufactured from multiple layers of high-density fibreboard (HDF). A digitally printed top layer covers densely-packed wood fibres to create a stable core. High-quality wood image is printed, which is often paired with authentic-feeling bevels and grains, to create a hyper-realistic wood effect. This has even extended to being available in tile designs too!

 

Benefits of Laminate

 

On top of being appealing from a budget angle, laminate offers a host of benefits that are practical to day-to-day life:

 

• Manufactured to be highly durable
• Easier and cheaper installation
• Scratch and water resistant
• Hygienic, easy cleanable surface.
• Realistic design
• Available in a wide range of styles
• Available in a wide range of budgets 
• Pet-friendly 

 

AC Ratings 

 

As previously mentioned, laminate is up there with being able to adhere to most budgets. Though there is still often the connotation that with laminate, whilst being budget friendly, quality is compromised. However, this isn’t necessarily true. 

 

When shopping for laminate flooring, you may encounter a term referred to as a “laminate AC rating”. Meaning “abrasion class”, AC rating describes a floor’s durability against a number of key factors. The higher the AC rating, the more durable it is. Whilst laminate with a rating of AC1 is only suitable for areas with little footfall, the higher AC5-rated laminate floors are robust enough for use in commercial buildings, such as busy retail stores.

 

Laminate AC rating determines how well a laminate floor copes within different environments.

In order to receive an AC rating, laminate flooring must go through rigorous testing. Known as the Taber test, the process assesses the flooring to measure its resistance. The AC rating is dependent on how it deals with a number of different stress points. Abrasion, stains, impact, moisture, heat and scratches are all factors used to produce a laminate AC rating.

To receive an AC rating, every aspect of the test requires a pass. If it fails even one, it receives an “unrated” label, meaning it misses the mark in terms of quality expected by both retailers and consumers.

So in reality, you don’t have to compromise quality at all. Making sure you know your stuff when it comes to AC ratings can help you with a steal – purchasing cheap flooring that supports the demands of any lifestyle. 

Saving Costs With Laminate

 

On top of laminate being relatively cheap to purchase for your packs of flooring, there are other cost saving benefits that come with choosing this cheap flooring option. 

 

Installation 

 

When it comes to your installation, the majority of laminates are available in a tongue and groove locking system. This means that installation is quick and easy, so the DIY method is welcomed. Alternatively if you’re hiring a fitter, this could save you on costs as you wouldn’t require the fitter for as long a duration.    

 

Laminate Styles 

 

Another way you can save money by purchasing laminate flooring is in the style department. 

 

Herringbone and chevron are traditional flooring styles turned trend, now a popular choice with contemporary interiors. 

With this being more of a classic design, it has typically only been available in your hardwood flooring options, however there is now a vast array of designs available in laminate. So you can save money, whilst still shopping in style! 

 

LVT Flooring

 

The next contender on the cheap flooring list is LVT. 

Luxury Vinyl Tiles, also known as Click Vinyl Flooring or LVT, are renowned for the ability to imitate high-end flooring designs to an impeccable standard. Built with multiple layers, this robust flooring not only looks amazing but is one of the toughest flooring options on the market too.

 

Benefits of LVT

 

As well as being a front-runner for a cheap flooring option for your home, LVT offers an abundance of benefits, from style, to budget, to practicality. 

 

• Available in a range of budgets
• Available in a range of styles
• Highly durable 
• Waterproof
• Slip resistant
• Provides warmth and cushioned feel underfoot
• Insulates sound
• Easy to maintain 
• Its innovative design makes it difficult to differentiate from real wood thanks to its textured finish 
• Easy to install
• Easy to replace individual tiles where any areas may be damaged
• The average lifespan is 25-30 years (depending on maintenance and traffic)

 

Saving Costs With LVT

 

Thanks to the amazing price points of LVT with some ranges being from around £8.99, you’re already getting a whole lot of bang for your buck when comparing the price to the benefits. 

 

However, that’s not the only cost savings you will find with Luxury Vinyl Flooring. 

 

Installation

 

One money saving method that comes as a cost benefit of LVT is its easy installation. Because LVT is available in click or stickdown options, the installation is a lot quicker in comparison to fitting real wood, ceramic or stone flooring. 

 

As a result of this easy installation, time and effort will be saved when fitting, so if you’re hiring a fitter, this may save you a few pounds. 

 

Furthermore whilst Luxury Vinyl Flooring is extremely durable, on the off chance that any damage occurs to the flooring,  you can easily replace the area the damage has occurred without ripping up your entire flooring. 

 

This is because Luxury Vinyl Flooring is fitted in individual tiled packs as opposed to vinyl roll. So no more worrying about paying to replace your entire flooring for one or two scuffs. 

LVT Styles 

 

In addition to the cost saving in terms of practicality, this versatile flooring is also ahead of the game with style. More importantly, these styles could be the difference between a large bill or a pleasantly surprising one. 

 

Similarly to laminate flooring, LVT has a wide range of styles available. From herringbone, to tile to chevron and your typical real wood effect. 

 

This means that you can achieve the looks of more expensive flooring options for a fraction of the price. Moreover, if it’s a real wood effect you’re wanting to incorporate into your design, then LVT’s ability to imitate this is second to none, thanks to its innovative design. 

 

It’s extremely difficult to tell the difference between real wood and LVT because of the textured finish and bevelled edges adding realism to the design. 

 

As real wood can be a large investment on its own when it comes to renovating your home, you don’t have to compromise on adding a real wood tone into your interiors thanks to luxury vinyl flooring. 

 

EvoCore Flooring

 

Next on the list is a flooring you may not have heard of, or if you have, you may not associate it with the word cheap… EvoCore.

 

EvoCore is one of the most innovative flooring types on the market and with good reason, not all of the EvoCore ranges are at the lowest of price points in comparison to other flooring types. 

However, EvoCore has expanded its ranges to hit a wider range of budgets, so that practicality, style and versatility is made more affordable. 

 

Our ranges offer diverse results whether you’re transforming your home or commercial property, with a range of styles and budgets to suit a variety of needs.

 

These exclusive ranges are designed with every lifestyle in mind. Whether you’ve got a house-full or populated office, you can add luxury, comfort and style to your space with EvoCore.

 

Benefits of EvoCore 

 

EvoCore Flooring provides many beneficial factors. Each range comes with its own additional benefits, however we have listed the standard benefits below. 

They ensure the best protection and resistance against both common and rare household and commercial activities. Below is a bullet-pointed list of each benefit that this range offers: 

• EvoCore is 100% waterproof
• Anti-slip surface
• No expansion or contraction when exposed to heat and cold
• Pet-friendly
• Durable and hard-wearing
• Easy installation
• Real wood look and feel
• Scratch-resistant
• Compatible with underfloor heating
• Hides minor subfloor imperfections
• Can be laid over existing flooring
• Eco-friendly

 

Saving Costs With EvoCore

 

Now that EvoCore has had such success in its initial ranges, it has continued to expand offering even more versatility. Through this expansion, we have been able to offer even more diversity in styles, practicality and budgets.

 

This is where it gains its place in this list of cheap flooring options. 

 

EvoCore Origins

 

EvoCore Origins is one of the more affordable ranges within the EvoCore brand, offering beautiful authentic wood designs for adding a natural warmth to your home. Featuring in-built underlay, home-wide suitability, high durability and a variety of colours and styles, EvoCore Origins is an ideal flooring for any home, with any lifestyle, and what’s more, it’s budget friendly. So you can have all of this without breaking the bank.

 

When coupling the fact that this flooring is at a lower price point already, with it having in-built underlay and easy installation. You’re saving money in not one, not two but three places. 

 

You don’t have to purchase your underlay separately, and you can also save money on installation fees due to the ease of its installation. You could even fit it yourself if you’re feeling confident and want to upskill in the DIY department!

 

Styles

 

If you had your heart set on introducing real wood flooring into your design, but the cost is putting you off, don’t worry. Similarly, to laminate and LVT, EvoCore Origins is outstanding when it comes to imitating real wood. Each plank incorporates a registered embossed true-to-grain real wood feel. 

 

So if you were wanting the warmth, and natural essence delivered by real wood, you can still achieve this for a lower cost, and more practicality. 

 

Amazing, right?   

 

To conclude, you’re not short of cost effective ways to save on your flooring whilst still achieving that desired real wood effect in your home. Flooring can be a large investment but with these options, it doesn’t have to be. 

 

For any questions regarding your flooring, please get in touch with one of our advisors who will be happy to help with any queries. 

 

 

The post Cheap Flooring – Replicate Real Wood On a Budget  appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

Why does my floor look different after it’s installed?  A common question our Design Consultants receive after a customer has had an installation.  “The color is different.” “It’s too light.”  “It’s too dark.” And many more specifics.  The Carpet Guys can help explain why this happens.

Time of Day Changes the Look

One of the biggest changes that happens is time of day lighting.  One of the best things about The Carpet Guys is that we send our showroom of samples to your home, so you can see what the flooring will look like in your homes lighting and near the furniture.  Our Design Consultants are knowledgeable and helpful in finding the best flooring product for you household needs.  You get to choose the color based on what looks best right inside the room your reflooring.

If the appointment time the Design Consultant is in your home is in the morning, your grey laminate may look warmer with the sun rising into the room.  But when the installation is complete, it may be evening, and the flooring looks greyer under the artificial lighting.  We recommend giving yourself a couple of days before calling.  It may be that the flooring was chosen at a different time of day.

Flooring Looks Lighter When Installed

Often, the small sample of flooring on a board looks darker than when it is installed.  Once the flooring has been installed, it opens up in the room and looks lighter than what was chosen.  We recommend when you are choosing flooring from a sample, especially in a room with little to no furniture, choose something a shade darker than what you think you want to avoid it looking too light.

Empty Room vs. Full Room

Once in a while, when choosing from a small sample on a white board, a sample will look lighter.  When installation is complete, and all your furniture is back in the room, shadows from overhead lighting can make the flooring look darker than the sample. Just like when you paint, and the paint gets darker as it dries.  If you’re room is full of furniture, choose a shade lighter than normal so it doesn’t make the room feel darker once installed.

Direction of Vacuum Lines

When hard surface is installed (like laminate, luxury vinyl plank, hardwood, etc), the direction the planks are laid, will change the colors you readily see entering or exiting the room. Even carpet has a flooring “direction”.  Depending on the direction it’s brushed, the fibers look a different color.  This is most noticeable after vacuuming.  When our installers finish your installation, they vacuum the carpet to fluff the fibers and will recommend you vacuum every day for a week and then once a week afterwards (see carpet care and maintenance for reference.  This helps the fibers to sprout so it will look uniform.  Again, finish the weeks’ worth of vacuuming before calling because it may just need to open up.

The Carpet Guys professional Design Consultants are all trained on these phenomena.  And can help you decide between darker or lighter shades of whatever flooring you love!  If for some reason you are not COMPLETELY satisfied with your installation, don’t hesitate to contact us.  We want you to enjoy your flooring from the day you choose it from a sample board to the day you have it replaced.  If you’re looking for all the best colors, textures and styles, call The Carpet Guys at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or schedule your Free In-Home Estimate today.  We can’t wait to help make your flooring dreams come true!

The post Why Does My Floor Look Different After it’s Installed appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

Wanting to replace the flooring throughout your home? Having trouble deciding the right flooring for each room? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. There’s an ongoing debate among homeowners as to which flooring choice is best throughout.

Living here in Colorado, you might be one of many who has jumped on the hardwood-only mindset. Coloradoans love their hardwood floors.

But does it make sense to install it throughout your home? For many people, a bedroom is their inner sanctuary, a place they retreat to for rest and relaxation. They want quiet, softness, warmth. And that’s hard to get with hardwood. Doesn’t carpet just make more sense in the bedroom settings?

Read on if you’re still in the debate.

Let’s start with hardwood

Hardwood is the flooring of choice, except for kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas where moisture is prevalent. Bedrooms are often no exception, especially if they are located right off the main living space.

And hardwood makes sense in a lot of areas in the home. The pros are hard to ignore:

Durability – hardwood is one of the most durable products on the market. When well cared for, it can last for years. And when it starts looking dull and scratched, simply sand it down and refinish it. A high quality wood floor can last for decades.

Ease of maintenance – especially with today’s technology, the surface material on your hardwood planks makes it easier than ever to care for. Use a broom or swiffer regularly to keep dirt and other particles off the surface. Vacuum weekly. A damp mop on occasion to remove any residue or spills. That’s it!

Natural surface – hardwood is one of the most natural surfaces you can install inside your home. If you care about going green and sustainability, look no further than hardwood. That also creates a hypoallergenic surface area too which can help keep sickness at bay. If you suffer allergies or asthma symptoms, hardwood flooring can be a great choice throughout your home.

Style and functionality – no matter what design personality you have, or what decor you plan on introducing into your home, hardwood is the perfect backdrop for it all. You can select hardwood flooring in all shades and colors, making it a versatile flooring choice that ages well as we move into the future.

All good reasons for installing hardwood throughout your home. But it still doesn’t answer the question: is hardwood right for the bedrooms?

Carpet in the bedrooms

Think about your bedrooms for a moment. What is the bedroom for?

A quiet place – with living rooms, family rooms, media rooms, and more, the bedroom is now a place where we retreat to for quiet time and sleep. That means unnecessary clomping across a wood floor can create heightened awareness, even anxiety as you’re moving around. Carpet muffles the sound and absorbs the noise, while adding ambiance you just can’t get with hardwood.

Warmth – here in Colorado, the temperatures can fall rapidly. Thirty degrees, twenty, ten. Even a few below zero days can leave you shivering at night. Those one in the morning trips to the bathroom can be miserable as your toes hit cold hardwood. But with plush carpet, the softness, cushion, and fibers underneath can make it just a bit easier.

Noise reduction – young children often retreat to their bedrooms for quiet playtime. But there’s nothing quiet about it if their toys consistently bounce off the hardwood. Especially in multiple story homes, you’ll notice every clunk and ping from underneath, making you wish for softness and padding of carpet to help damper the sound.

Safety – you’re more likely to be in socks in your bedroom. You’re more likely to be half asleep and not paying attention as you move around in the middle of the night. Slippery floors can be hazardous no matter what your age. Carpet provides better grip, and also a softer landing.

Do buyers prefer carpet or hardwood in bedrooms? 

When you install new flooring throughout your home, often, it’s with the understanding that you’ll be placing it on the market soon. Then the question becomes: do home buyers prefer hardwood throughout, or do they still like carpet in the bedrooms?

According to real estate agents, you’ll never go wrong with hardwood. Some buyers and homeowners love hardwood enough to weave it through every room in the home.

There are others that want softness in the bedrooms. These homeowners prefer plush carpet with ample padding for softness, warmth, and creating the cozy factor inside each bedroom.

Plus, when you have a multi-level home, carpet can help muffle sound. With active bedrooms upstairs, installing padding and carpeting can act as a noise reducer, helping make the activity less noticeable from underneath.

Is carpet in bedrooms outdated?

Let’s start with your gut instinct. After reading the above advice, if you’re still worried about a house full of hardwood, if you prefer softness and warmth in the bedrooms, listen to your gut.

In 2020, carpet sales fell, thanks to stay-in-place orders and few people thinking about remodeling. But even by the end of 2020, the market was starting to rebound. Carpet is and has remained the largest flooring segment, accounting for 48.4 percent of all flooring sales.

With so many choices, you can find carpet that complements any decor, and adds richness to the surrounding area.

If you’re really not sure what to do, how about a compromise?

Add hardwood throughout. And follow it up by adding area rugs to the bedrooms. To keep your room soft, warm, and comfortable, make sure the area rug is large and covers a lot of the space inside each bedroom. Place it under the bed, and have it extend beyond the bed on all sides. You should be able to step onto it as you get out of bed. With a large bedroom, you may also wish to place smaller area rugs in critical places throughout the room. At the sides of each bed for warmth as you rise, plus in front of dressing areas, or other spots you spend time.

Carpet or hardwood – which is the right choice for your bedrooms? There really isn’t a “best” choice. It entirely depends on you.

If you need a little extra advice, stop by today. We have the answer to your questions, and can help you make a well informed decision.

The post Carpet or Hardwood – Which Is The Better Choice For Bedrooms? first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

Wooden floor door bars are a great accessory that help you to close the gaps between doorways when fitting a floor.  There are a few different types to choose from depending on the type of floor that you have on the other side of the doorway.  Sometimes you will hear a door bar called a ‘threshold’, which is just another name for it.  We have a range of door bars including solid Oak door bars, and metal door bars. Read More

Sometimes, you feel like a kid in a candy store, with so many choices you aren’t sure which to choose.

If you’re redecorating, you may feel that sensation every time you head into a new store. What do you choose? How do you create the aesthetics you’re looking for?

When you’re working with home design, one of the first places to start is with flooring. It’s the base of your design. You’ve settled on carpet, but even after you make that decision, you still have difficult components left to choose.

How do you choose the right carpet color?

What about fiber?

Is a pattern better than a solid color?

Sometimes you walk right up to a particular style or fiber – you know what you want. But then it comes down to color.

Color can often be the most difficult decision of all. That’s because color can have a big impact on your overall design. How do you select a color from a tiny swatch and have it installed into a large space and hope it’ll look okay?

What if you choose wrong?

Are you replacing or upgrading?

A brand new design is different from upgrading something already in place. If you’re starting with a clean palette, new floors, new wall colors, new furniture, new window coverings, you can select anything you desire.

If, however, you already have certain things in place, it narrows down your choices considerably. Are you building around existing wall color? Do you have a sofa you love? Will the drapes stay in place? That gives you your starting point. This gives you something to build upon.

No matter where you are in the process, we recommend starting with a color theme. What’s your preference, greys, tans, blues, or greens? Select base colors, and build from there. Once you have that in place, then choose the color of your carpet. It’s much easier to paint walls, select a new sofa, or even add design pieces than it is adding new carpet. If you start with your base, the rest will fall into place.

What about your lifestyle?

Do you lead a quiet life, just you in your home? Are you married with kids? Do you have a dog and a cat … and add to it regularly? Do you throw wild parties with friends, or do you prefer a quiet evening at home?

Use your lifestyle to lead you to make the right choice.

Often, people think carpet color is controlled by an active lifestyle, but other things come into play. Fibers can play a big role in how easy clean up will be. Do you want stain resistance? Pay attention to durability as well as how easy it cleans.

Yet no matter how much stain resistance is in place, carpet colors like white, light grey or beige, or any light neutral color will be more difficult to keep clean. Coupling that with durability, and lifestyle is more important than ever when finalizing your decisions.

In highly active areas, we often suggest darker neutrals, fibers with various flecks and shades, or patterns that well wear and hide small problems. If you move towards patterns with multiple shades of color, it will be less noticeable when accidents happen.

What about neutral colors?

We’ve mentioned selecting neutral carpet color several times for a reason. While trends come and go, neutral carpet colors tend to stick around. Walk into a home with a bright color carpet – orange, green, red. You’ll notice it. It can also date it, depending on the color. But if you walk into a home with a well placed neutral carpet, it’s the canvas for the home’s design. You notice the aesthetics of the decor, not follow your eyes to the floor.

Greys, beiges, browns, and even moving into shades of blue are considered to be neutral carpet fibers. If you can blend different decor into the room, without countering the effects of the carpet, it’ll stand the test of time.

Start with your budget in mind

Walking into a flooring dealer and seeing aisles of carpet can be a daunting experience. Before you walk down the aisles, finding samples you lean towards, talk with an associate first. Give them an idea of your project. Clue them into your budget. Then ask where your money will be well spent. They can lead you to manufacturers and products that suit your needs well.

This eliminates the potential of falling in love with a carpet way outside of your budget. It also gives you a chance to see carpet samples specifically made for your lifestyle, and will serve you well.

Then you can start sorting samples into different categories. Do you like patterns? Do you like specific textures or fibers? Do some samples draw you in, while others say: no way?

When you’re first starting out, pull what pleases you. What can you envision in your own home? Quickly you’ll start to see patterns in your approach. When several samples are laid out together, you’ll also find some stay in your maybe column, while others instantly seem out of place.

That’s the point of this exercise. When you see several potentials together, you’ll lean towards some over others. When you’ve narrowed it down to a few final selections, it’s time to get a few flooring samples and live with them for a bit. View them in a different light. See them next to the color of your walls. Compare them to the fabric of your sofa, chairs, and drapery.  One will quickly pull away from the pack, and you’ll know which will serve you best.

Choosing carpet color wisely

The color of your carpet sets the stage for the aesthetics of your home. It’s not something you should select in a day.

Instead, consider your options wisely. Look at design websites. Pay attention to trends. Consider your own lifestyle. And after careful consideration, choose the one that suits you best.

You’ll love your carpet for years to come.

The post How Do You Choose Carpet Color With So Many To Choose From? first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

Are you wondering why or if you should go for bamboo flooring instead of the other types of flooring out there? Let us help you out with the known benefits of bamboo flooring and why it should decorate the floors of your home instead. First off, let’s get this out of the way: bamboo is not wood; it is grass from the kingdom of plantae.

Benefits of Bamboo Flooring

Moisture-Resistant

Seeing that bamboo is grass, as mentioned above, your follow-up thought could be that it would easily be damaged by water or any form of moisture. Well, that is incorrect. Bamboo flooring has the same level of moisture resistance as hardwood flooring; this means that you get to use it for many years while it retains its original shine.

Vast Growth Locations

Do you know what bamboo forests are? They are a community of bamboo grasses. These forests have the capacity to grow the raw materials for bamboo floorings in different parts of the world. While the ideal growth location is hot/tropical locations like countries in Africa and South America, some variants of bamboo are known to grow in less tropical regions; these variants can also be grown indoors as well.

Bamboo Flooring Variants

As with other flooring types, bamboo flooring has variants to offer, so you get to choose from a list instead of being stuck with a specific type. There are engineered bamboo flooring, stranded bamboo flooring and horizontal bamboo flooring; of these three, the stranded bamboo flooring variant is the best version of it, lasts longer and has lots of colors to select from.

Easily Renewable

Bamboo, the raw material for bamboo flooring, is easily renewable and quickly regenerates after stalks are cut from it. Rather than take years or a decade to grow, it grows many inches within a day and continues to grow.

We have variants of bamboo flooring here at Flooring.org. For any questions answered you may have, or if you’d like to place an order today, please give us a call at 1-800-689-9006!

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Firstly, Engineered Oak herringbone is a beautiful floor that will transform your room completely.  Herringbone is a geometric pattern that is created by using parquet block flooring.  It is the most popular pattern created and gives a distinctive looking floor. Read More

There’s carpet. And then there’s Berber carpet. If you’ve ever heard someone talk about Berber, you might assume it’s in a class of its own.

You’d be correct.

If you trace Berber back in history, you’ll find that Berber comes from native North Africa. Thousands of years ago, these native “Berbers” had a unique weave they used when handcrafting textiles. This weave created multi-colored flecks and loops or knots of various sizes. This was the original Berber weave used in the rugs they produced.

Today, this is one of the defining features of Berber carpet. It consists of looped construction where the loops are sewn or tufted into the carpet’s backing. They are crafted into a rugged looped pile, though they can range in size from tight to loose. You’ll find Berber carpet created from one of three fibers:

• Olefin
• Nylon
• Wool

What fiber you choose will ultimately determine the price you pay, the carpet’s durability, and stain resistance over time. Olefin may be the most common fiber found in Berber, but you’ll often find blends between the three as well.

Olefin is popular because it’s resistant to moisture and mildew. Berber is often used in busy places such as the family room or basement, which gives it an added bonus of standing up to all your family can dish out. It looks and feels like wool carpet, but is a more cost-effective option. It’s colorfast, meaning the fibers are dyed before the carpet is made. It can fade in direct sunlight.

Nylon is one of the most common fibers used in the carpet industry because it’s strong and easy to clean. It’s also non-allergenic, and both soil and mildew-resistant. It’s a great choice for high-traffic areas. Keep in mind that nylon can be prone to static, and piles easily. If you’re setting up a home office, it’s something to consider before installing.

Wool may be the hardest to find, but it does create a sophisticated look. Many homeowners search it out because it’s an environmentally friendly option. It’s naturally hypoallergenic, non-toxic, easy to clean, and has natural stain resistance. It will also be the most expensive option.

Why do people love Berber carpet so much? Glad you asked. There are many benefits that will move Berber high up on your list.

The advantages and disadvantages of Berber carpet

The unique knotted weave of Berber carpet can be a distinct advantage in durability. Its unique look is also something homeowners often search out. If you’re thinking about installing Berber in your home, here are a few reasons why it’s a great choice.

Durability

If you want a durable carpet, you won’t have to think twice about installing Berber. That’s why you’ll see Berber in a lot of commercial applications. The main reason for durability is that the fibers are woven directly into the backing rather than having exposed ends. Berber will never unravel because it won’t leave the ends exposed.

However, what gives it its unique texture can also put it at risk. If you’re active on Berber, drag furniture across, or somehow catch the loop, it can tear away from the backing, leaving a snag in its place. This can be a problem if you have active pets that love to run and play. You should also ensure a high-quality vacuum that won’t catch the fibers as it performs.

Stain resistance

While stain resistance isn’t necessarily built into Berber, and is impacted more by the fiber material you select, it is worth mentioning that Berber’s tight weave does bring stain resistance to another level. Instead of settling into the fibers, potential stains sit on top longer, allowing you to fully clean the area before it settles in.

The drawback comes if you don’t know the spill occurs. Once it settles into the tight weave, it can be more difficult to remove. Be conscious of your weekly cleaning habits, clean spills immediately, and you’ll love your Berber carpets for years to come.

Cost

Because Berber carpet is more in demand today than ever before, you’ll find prices all over the board. Set your budget before you come in, and we’ll easily be able to direct you to product lines that meet your criteria.

Just be aware that some Berber carpets require special carpet pads to perform well over time. Be sure to consider that as you’re making your final decision.

Does it pay to look for brand names you recognize? 

Occasionally you’ll find flyers and ads come into your home offering you “good” deals. They often tout Berber carpet because it’s a popular choice.

What they fail to mention is who created the Berber carpet. By using a recognizable brand name – Stainmaster, Shaw, just to name a few – you’re assured all that comes from working with a reputable brand. Likewise, by working with a reputable dealer, you’re assured the installation process will move smoothly from beginning to end.

Without a brand name, you may be impacted by products that don’t come with warranties, or installation processes that don’t stand the test of time. If your carpet pulls away, buckles, or snags from the beginning, without recourse, you’ll be left contemplating full replacement in a very short time frame.

How do Berber carpets compare to other types?

If you’ve researched carpets, you know they are often lumped into several categories to make it easier to understand and shop for.

Berber is known for its durability and functionality. Its unique look gives it away. But if you’re still not sure if it’s right for you, here’s how it compares to several other popular categories.

Berber or plush carpet? Plush carpet is soft and luxurious. If you want to dig your toes into softness, this might be the way to go. It’s a great carpet to lie on, snuggle on, and create a warm feeling. It will show footprints easier, and won’t last as long as other choices. If you have a busy household with kids and pets, Berber is the better choice.

Berber or frieze carpet? Friese provides a looser or shaggy appearance, while Berber provides the tight weave. It tends to be a bit softer, and is excellent at hiding foot traffic. It is a cut pile carpet, so that it won’t wear as well over time.

Berber or saxony carpet? Saxony is known for its softness. It’s a great choice in the bedrooms, where warmth and luxury are at the top of the list. But it’s not known for durability. In high traffic situations, you’ll be replacing saxony carpets more frequently than Berber.

What’s the right choice for you? 

Many homeowners love Berber carpet. It’s a durable option for every room in your home.

If you’re ready to consider installing Berber, stop by today and see your many options.

The post For The Love of Berber Carpet – Here’s What You Need To Know first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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