Month: August 2021

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Let’s talk 2021 trends that have taken the interior industry not by storm, but by hurricane. In particular; New neutrals and the neutral interior trend. Where colour is concerned mustard is out and greige, and beige are in. Our Sister Brand Flooring Superstore has partnered with interior specialists, Baytree Interiors to help with inspiration when it comes to getting the style with this popular trend. 

Greige Is In

 

You may have been familiar with the grey trend that has entered the homes of millions over the last few years. Well, this neutral trend has evolved even further from your typical grey, to greige. 

 

Greige blends the popular interior colours of grey and beige, creating the perfect balance of cool chic tones, and warm inviting tones. Due to the neutral qualities of this trend, it is easy to introduce brighter colours or metals and woods to accentuate and accessorise with. 

 

This level of versatility is what has seen this trend become widely adopted by homes across the globe. 

 

Just look at this hallway inspired by the greige trend using Flooring Superstores Salvador Range. 

 

Introducing this trend in your hallway sets the tone for the rest of your home and can create a calm and welcoming space to invite your guests into. 

 

Using side tables, side boards, lamps and ornaments are the perfect way to set off your entrance hall. Baytree Interiors are stockists of some amazing options to match this trend. Their Scandi-inspired Nordic Collection Console Table effortlessly complements this decor. 

 

Go a step further and inject fascinating talking points with modish embellishments such as the Hudson Adjustable Large Table Lamp and Large Metallic Bamboo Lantern.  

 

Earthy Tones 

 

Earthy tones are another interior trend that won’t sound like they’re something new, and to be truthful. They’re not. The browns, the beiges, the pale greens have always been around. But not like this. 

 

When paired with the right furnishings, accessories and complementing design materials (e.g wood, metal) using these earthy tones can create a beautifully stylish and soothing environment to relax in.

 

Previously, neutral carpets have been a play-safe option. Primarily used as a base to easily pair with any design whilst bringing a comfortable homely tone to your space. 

 

Now, these neutral shades of carpet are very much a foundational aspect of your interior should you adopt this trend. 

 

When coupled with natural wood tones, easily introduced with furnishings such as coffee tables, side tables or even chairs, this can bring a luxurious aesthetic to your home. 

 

 

Flooring Superstore’s collaboration with Baytree Interiors demonstrates this design perfectly, using the Toffee Silk carpet from their Mont Blanc range, and the Live Edge Collection River Coffee Table from Baytree Interiors. 

 

Grey Is Still The Way 

 

Now we couldn’t leave this one out of the list. Whilst grey has been in for the last few years in interiors, in accessories, paints and furnishings and seems to be making its way out, where flooring is concerned, grey is still very much in. 

 

This is because like the rest of these neutral trends, it is extremely adaptable. You pretty much have free reign when it comes to the interiors that surround a grey flooring. 

 

So if you’re one for changing up your interiors frequently, a neutral grey flooring might be a great option to include in your design. 

 

 

The grey trend is perfect for those who enjoy a chic design. This pairing of Flooring Superstore’s Everest Satin Dream, with tasteful accessories such as Baytree Interiors’ Farah Collection Silver Coffee Table makes for a classy, contemporary result. 

 

And there we have it! The rundown on all things neutral in the interiors department. Hopefully we offered some home inspo, and at the very least introduced the word ‘greige’ into your interiors repertoire. If you have any questions regarding flooring, then get in touch with one of our experts today. 

 

The post In Partnership With Baytree Interiors appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

Walnut flooring can look elegant and stunning in the right style of home. The dark and rich brown tones of Walnut can really transform your home by giving it a feel of luxury and sophistication.  Its elegance speaks for itself. Read More

Nothing adds flair to a home like accessories do. It’s an easy way to add your personality, bring in a pop of color, yet do so on a budget.

In today’s world, you can find anything with any budget in mind. Order online – they offer free shipping. Shop at your local big box store – do they have a deal for you.

But is it really a deal? If you want a new rug for your home, what constitutes quality? What’s the real difference between cheap and expensive rugs?

If you’re in the market for a new rug, it’s something you want to wear well and last for the foreseeable future. You don’t want it to look bad almost from the moment you bring it into your home. Cutting corners and going with the wrong rug may leave you sorry from the moment you bring it home.

Yet what’s the difference? How do you know a rug is high quality versus a rug that is inferior?

Shape and appearance

The most obvious way to tell the difference is by looking at it. You’ll be able to see the difference. Low quality rugs have irregularities or even flaws in the way they are crafted. The sides may be uneven, causing a square or rectangular rug to appear a bit lopsided. It may curl on the ends. You can even see it in the fibers.

High quality rugs are built to last. They lay flat and evenly on the floor. The edges won’t curl up or appear uneven when it’s laid into place. You can even tell it in the colors – choose a lower quality rug and it isn’t created from high quality fibers. That means it’ll wash out quickly as the sun seeps through your windows.

Quality … or quantity? 

Some of it also comes in knowing your personal style. Do you replace rugs with every new season? Or do you want furnishings that stand the test of time? With cheap rugs, you’ll be replacing them regularly. In short periods of time, they’ll show their wear, start to curl at the edges, and become problematic rather than giving your home value.

High quality rugs ensure they’ll last for years. Discoloration won’t take place, it’ll wear well no matter how much your family dishes out, and will be easy to care for. Vacuuming won’t pull at the fibers, and you’ll be able to clean it without destroying the rug.

Craftsmanship

A lot of rugs today are made in the factory. It’s mass production, rolling them out as quickly as they can. You’ll find these in big box stores, wrapped up and available in large quantities to the public. Everything about them was created for fast production, short life, and a way to increase sales.

A high quality rug is built to last by people that care about the product they’re creating. Rug making is a craft. People who make them tend to believe they are creating a work of art as opposed to just another rug.

The skill level of the rug maker, the rug-making process, and how long it takes from beginning to end will ultimately determine how much the rug goes for on the market. For handmade rugs, hand-knotted rugs are at the top of the list for quality. Hand knotting takes the longest for full production over flat-weaving or hand-tufting.

Flat-weaving uses a loom to weave fibers into intricate patterns and details. Hand-tufting is a process somewhere in between, where a craftsman uses a rug tool to push the threads back and forth through the backing to create the finalized product.

A machine-created rug will have a lot less character than higher quality rugs, and won’t bring the personality into your room in the same manner.

Color fading

What makes a rug look old before its time? Fading. You may have purchased the rug because of its bright colors and intricate designs, but will you be as pleased with it when the color fades away?

Fiber color is one of the easiest ways manufacturers use to cut costs. If they use lower quality dyes, they can lower production costs and increase profits. They also justify it in that it creates a more consumable market. If you have to replace your rug every year, it means more chance at vying for your business for them.

This isn’t just about vibrant colors. It impacts white rugs too. If the right color isn’t used, white can turn dingy, yellowing quickly as it adjusts to your home. You’ll quickly wonder where your white rug went.

Durability 

We’ve mentioned it before, but it’s worth talking about again. Cheap rugs aren’t built to last. They use synthetic fibers that are cheap to make and inexpensive to use. But they aren’t built to last. They aren’t soft, are coarser to the touch, and have fibers that break down quickly. It’ll show in the appearance in a very short time.

You’ll also notice the edges fray, they curl up and cause tripping hazards. This can be dangerous at best, especially in high traffic areas.

Character and personality

Homeowners often look for ways to bring their own personality into their homes. They want quality, furnishings that last and look good in the process. Imagine putting one-of-a-kind sofas and chairs on top of a mass-produced rug that’s fraying on the sides. The two don’t match.

Cheap rugs may have a temporary purpose. If you’re looking to create a fun space in a hurry, one that’s designed with a specific purpose in mind, a cheap rug may be the way to go.

But if you’re looking for longevity, you want this to be a part of your home’s furnishings for years to come, you won’t find that in a cheap rug.

For a high quality rug, you’re going to have to pay the price. Expensive rugs might seem like a good place to cut back on your home decor, but you’ll be sorry in the short run. High quality wins every time, especially if you’re building a home you can enjoy for years to come.

The post The Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Rugs first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

Men and women alike are looking for great man cave ideas. It’s important for everyone in the home to have a space they can retreat to for comfort and relaxation. Even if it’s just to watch different T.V. shows, a man cave is a great idea!

There are many ways to trick out a man cave, and designing the space is half the fun of having it. Depending on your style preferences, designing a man cave can come with endless possibilities.

Choose a Man Cave Theme

Before you begin doing any renovations, make sure to map out your space completely. You want to make sure you know what you’re working with before starting. For a small space, decide what the man cave will be used for. If it’s for gaming, space for a comfy gaming recliner and screen are top priority. Or if you want space to watch sports with friends, seating will be a priority because flat screens can be mounted on a wall just about anywhere. With a large space, the skies the limit.

Here are a few man cave theme ideas you can use for your own or to spark inspiration:

• Vintage auto garage
• Movie theater
• All or a specific sport theme
• Hunting
• Casino
• Video gamer

Preparing the Space for the Man Cave

Once the theme has been chosen, prepping the space can begin. This is where you need to think about the look of the space itself or anything that needs to be done to the space. Ask yourself these questions before you make any decorative purchases:

• Do you need to waterproof the area (mainly pertains to basements or sheds)?
• Do you need new carpet or flooring?
• Are the walls going to be painted or have a different covering?
• What’s my budget?

Before decorating, we recommend Basement Waterproofing of Michigan for all your waterproofing needs. Remember, this isn’t just for dealing with that musty odor, it’s important to have proper moisture control for your health. Check out their Healthy Basement or Crawl Space Certificate for more information.

For walls and painting, we recommend 1-800-PAINTERS. They have some of the best painters in the business and can access your needs and work within your budget.

Let’s Get Decorating

Once the space is prepared and ready to go, it is time to get creative. To help give you an idea of what all man caves should have, take a look at these popular suggestions:

1. A Sign – Every man cave needs a sign letting people know that they are entering the man cave. Proclaim your space proudly, gentlemen.
2. Home Bar – A man cave without an area to hang out and have a drink simply does not feel complete. With a bar area, you can store all kinds of food and drink. Explore the options of custom fridges and kegs to enhance your bar. You can also easily put in a fountain for soda or a fun slushy machine.
3. Custom Table – Add a custom table to show off your personal style and taste. A Nintendo controller table is a great example for the gamer. Or a glass top storage table to show off your sport paraphernalia.
4. A Pool Table or Pinball Machine – Definitely a classic piece in many man cave scenarios. Everyone loves a good game of pool, and the table can be custom made to fit your liking. Or find an old pinball machine that goes with your theme.
5. Projector – If your television isn’t big enough, a projector is what you need. Make your own theater area for your sport watching or gaming by adding a screen or using white walls.

When it all comes down to it, the man cave is your space, so personalize it in the way that fits you best.

Does the Man Cave Need New Flooring

When it comes to man cave carpet and flooring for your special space, we have you covered. We have many styles and products to choose from. If you’re looking for a rustic hard surface that can hold up to your teams big win, we have lots of luxury vinyl and laminate. Maybe you want something a bit more cozy? Undoubtedly, our carpets installers are the best in the business and can install our top of the line memory foam pad under your carpet of choice. Book a free in-home estimate with The Carpet Guys (855-4-MY-GUYS) to see the best quality products for a price that fits your budget. Our complimentary Design Consultant can help bring all your man cave idea’s to light!

The post Man Cave Ideas appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

Depending on the community you grew up in, you might use the terms carpet and rug interchangeably.

If you look up the words in the Oxford dictionary, rug is defined: a floor covering of thick woven material or animal skin, typically not extending over the entire floor.

Look up the word carpet, and it’s defined as: a floor or stair covering made from thick woven fabric, typically shaped to fit a particular room.

For many in the flooring and design business, the differences come from moveability. Rugs can be picked up and moved around freely. Carpet is tacked down and is meant to stay in place within a particular room.

The term rug seems to have a Scandinavian origin. The word was first used somewhere around the 15th century, and typically described a small floor covering no longer than six and a half feet. One of their most tell-tale characteristics includes being bound at the edges. It is also free to move around for transportation and maintenance.

The term carpet comes from Latin, being used the first time in English around the 13th century. Its translation means “coarse cloth” or “tablecloth”, where it remained until the 15th century when it moved permanently to being used as a floor covering. Carpets are usually characterized by their size, the fact that they can be stretched into place, and once installed, are fixed in one place.

Which one is best for you?

The pros and cons of rugs

When you think of home design as modern, artistic, with a touch of personality, rugs automatically pop into the picture. That’s because the sky’s the limit when it comes to what is possible with rug design.

Because they are smaller in size, artists can be more creative. Bright colors, vivid patterns, and even different shapes can all play into your decor. Instead of being the base for a room design, rugs can actually be a part of the decor.

Since they are smaller in size, they are easier to clean and maintain. Spilling red wine may still cause a problem, but in general, the smaller size makes it easier to react quickly. If it’s washable, you can throw it into the wash. You can pick it up and bring it to a professional cleaner where they can work on the stain.

This isn’t good just for the occasional party stain. It’s good for deep cleaning too. Rugs sit on the floor, which means they’re more prone to picking up things like dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and other contaminants your family tracks in. Whatever enters usually settles on the floor. That can include dirt, grime, even mildew over time. With a rug, you have the ability to move it around and clean it in the best way suitable for your needs.

Want even more flexibility with your decor? Prefer to change out the look and feel based on seasons or holidays? Rugs make it easy. Move a few pieces of furniture aside, lay down the new rug, and you have an entirely new look and feel inside your home! It can be a fun and inexpensive way to add variety and pizzazz to your home’s decor.

While the benefits of using rugs inside your home are many, there are a few downsides as well.

Because rugs aren’t tacked into place, they are more likely to be a tripping hazard. This is where quality comes into play. It can also be a problem for the elderly, or for people with mobility issues.

You’ll never get the same look you can achieve with wall to wall carpet. If you want softness and warmth, carpet can’t be beaten.

Rugs are also better suited for colors and patterns. Why get a rug with neutral tones … leave that for carpet.

The pros and cons of carpet

The great news with carpet is it looks good in many rooms throughout your home. Want warmth in the bedroom? Look no further than carpet. Want softness in a kid’s playroom? Carpet is the perfect choice.

Homeowners turn to carpet for many reasons. Here are just a few.

First up, carpet is a good floor covering when you have small imperfections with your subfloor. Have a subfloor that isn’t quite level? Looking to hide imperfections? Carpet maybe your choice. That’s because it’s secured to the floor with glue, cement, or tacking, with thick padding located underneath. This padding is designed to increase longevity, provide softness, and provide support as you walk across. Slight changes in the subfloor won’t be noticed with this flexible material.

Carpet also has an ability to tie the look and feel of your rooms together. It can create unity throughout your home as one solid color flows from room to room. And because homeowners tend to stick with more neutral colors, it can be a good base for whatever personality you want to instill into the space. Whatever your color theme, whatever your personal color palette, today’s carpet manufacturers have designed something you’re sure to fall in love with.

Carpeting also provides warmth to your home. If you’ve ever stepped on cold tile on a winter morning, you’ll appreciate being able to dig your toes into the warmth of carpet fibers. It also has the ability to hold warmth closer to feet level, meaning you’ll be more comfortable overall.

Want noise reduction? Carpet provides that too. That can be especially important in multilevel homes where you spend a lot of time on all levels. Hard surfaces can cause echoing, meaning the noise can filter to all levels. With small children who sleep at various hours, or adults that work night hours, this can impact your daily behavior.

Carpet isn’t without a few cons. One of the biggest issues is the ability to clean it. You can’t pick it up and throw it into the washer. That means when spills occur, acting quickly will be your best course of action. Carpet on the floors may alter your behavior. You’ll have to vacuum and clean it more often. It may even cause you to restrict certain activities from taking place – outside parties instead of inside gatherings.

If you want natural products, and have a concern for eco-friendly choices, you’ll have to pay attention to the fibers you select for your carpet. Off-gassing can be a concern with synthetic materials. Work with a flooring dealer if you’re looking for a safe, natural carpet.

Thinking of changing up your flooring? Will you add a new rug, or is new carpet more your style? Either way, both give you creative ways to add color, style, and personality to your home. In the end, whichever you choose, you’ll love the results.

The post What’s The Difference Between Rugs and Carpet? first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

If you are considering changing the flooring in your home but not certain if you should select carpeting or hardwood, flooring.org presents several important reasons why hardwood flooring is the smarter option.

Why Choose Hardwood?

With all the available options when it comes to flooring, the decision can seem quite overwhelming. Carpeting has been popular over the years but it has its drawbacks. Carpet retains debris and germs that can emit a stale odor. Furthermore, unsightly stains and an overall worn appearance are difficult to prevent from occurring over time. Hardwood floors, on the other hand, offer a number of important advantages over carpeting.

Ease of Cleaning

Hardwood floors are simple to keep clean and sanitary which helps in fostering a healthy environment. Unlike carpet that traps dust and debris, hardwood flooring does not catch refuse. This feature causes hardwood to be a wise choice for people who suffer from allergies or asthma.

Durability

Longevity is another fantastic reason why investing in hardwood floors is a smart decision. Hardwood flooring is able to be sanded, re-finished, and repaired in order to look as good as new. In the event that pits and depressions occur, these imperfections are able to be rectified without much difficulty. Since the flooring is installed in compact segments, replacing a specific area if needed can be easily accomplished.

Innate Beauty

Hardwood floors radiate an aura of luxury and class. There is an abundance of styles, designs, and shades right at your fingertips for selection. Besides from your own enjoyment of viewing your appealing new floors, hardwood flooring is a huge plus that adds value to your home if you ever decide to sell at some point. Prospective buyers are drawn to homes that contain hardwood floors because of their lovely allure.

Flooring.org has a wonderful selection of hardwood flooring available to customers. Our products are top-notch in quality and priced affordably. We may be reached by calling (800) 689-9006. We hope to conduct business with you in the near future.

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

Whether you’re building a new house, or remodeling one you’ve lived in for years, the best place to start is from the ground up.

Flooring is the starting point for most interior projects. Without a good base, your room won’t function as you had hoped. Without the proper flooring in place, you may be disappointed with the results.

For many homeowners, carpet is the most logical choice. While people across the Front Range prefer hardwood for living spaces, carpet is still one of the leading flooring choices for other rooms throughout the home. Carpet still accounts for over 48 percent of the flooring market, making it a great choice for your needs.

If you’ve decided to purchase carpet, the first choice you’ll make is type. A quick search brings up many options: acrylic, nylon, polyester, wool. If wool carpet has shot to the top of your list, congratulations. It’s a great choice for people looking for green options, wanting a natural flooring choice, and are truly looking to invest in luxury carpet.

If you’re ready to dive a little deeper and learn more about wool carpet, let’s look at the reasons to keep this natural material at the top of your list.

What are the advantages of wool carpet?

Durability

Before you consider wool as an option, think about all the things you demand from carpet. Chances are durability tops the list.

Once installed, we want it to last for a long time, and to look good in the process. The last thing we want is buyer’s remorse almost from the moment we install it.

Wool carpet is manufactured from short lengths of wool taken from sheep. Think of all wool goes through – it protects sheep from the heat of summer and the coldest days of winter. It’s hardy no matter what conditions sheep face out in the fields. When converted to fiber, those same factors continue forward as they are turned into fiber.

Because wool fiber has a naturally coiled structure, it maintains well over time. Synthetic fibers try to imitate it, but they can only duplicate it for so long. That’s one of the biggest reasons wool carpet can last for decades if properly cared for, while synthetic carpet has a much shorter lifespan.

Wool carpet also handles better under pressure. Have lots of heavy furniture that will sit on top? See lots of foot traffic throughout your home? Wool carpet bounces back time after time. It springs back continually, and retains its original qualities much longer.

Cleanability

One of the biggest things homeowners worry about when it comes to carpet is how easy it is to maintain. If it attracts dirt, is easily stained, and is difficult to keep clean, carpet can become an eyesore quickly.

If you’ve ever had those thoughts, push them aside if you invest in wool carpet. Sure, it will require regular maintenance. Vacuuming periodically will ensure it always looks good and stays clean. An occasional steam clean (according to manufacturer’s guidelines) will pull the deep dirt up, and ensure your carpet continually looks good.

Homeowners enjoy the lasting results of wool carpet because it holds its color well. It also fades less than with other carpet materials such as nylon. That means if it occasionally gets hit with the Colorado sunshine, you’ll have less chance of the color fading over time. That makes sense when you think about the chemical makeup of wool. It’s a protein-based molecular structure that readily accepts color and holds it well. You’ll find wool carpets in a wider range of colors and patterns, giving them the highest level of aesthetic appeal you’ll find on the market.

Environmentally friendly

The reason more homeowners turn to wool carpet than any other is because of its natural qualities. Wool is an effective insulator – sheep do well in all kinds of weather. Wool’s insulating properties will be noticeable no matter where it’s installed. In winter, it’ll hold heat closer to the floor, making you feel warmer. It also naturally absorbs water vapor from the air, which helps with moderate indoor humidity, which naturally occurs in the summer as you run your air conditioner.

Here in Colorado, that also gives you an added benefit of wool’s moisture absorption properties – it reduces static electricity. If you’re tired of feeling those static shocks in this dry climate, wool carpet may be the perfect choice for your home.

It’s also biodegradable and recyclable. That means when it’s reached the end of its lifecycle, it won’t end up as long in the landfill like other carpeting choices.

Flame-resistant

In case you need even more advantages for making wool carpeting your choice, consider it’s also naturally flame-resistant. It has a higher ignition point than other materials, which is the temperature where it combusts and burns. That makes it less of a risk factor than synthetic options. If matches, cigarettes, sparks, wood-burning, or other factors are a part of your home, this pushes wool carpet to the top of the list. You’ll often find wool carpet in commercial applications like airports and casinos because of this feature.

What are the disadvantages of wool carpet?

Sold on wool carpet? Before you sign on the dotted line, it’s important to understand the few disadvantages it has.

Cost

The biggest issue for some homeowners is cost. Wool carpet is priced according to the source of wool. Overall, that puts it at the higher end of the spectrum. It typically costs twice as much as synthetic carpet such as nylon and polyester.

Cleaning

While wool carpets have a lot of advantages for clean up, it is important to note that the messier the spill, the more it can sink into wool carpet. Oily or greasy spills can quickly penetrate the fibers, and once there, be there permanently. It’s important to jump on all spills immediately to ensure they don’t set and be there for life.

Shedding

Wool fiber tends to shed over time. Wool is woven into yarn that ultimately creates carpet pile. These short strands lie on top of the carpet, and can be easy to catch as your kids play, pets run across it, or you move heavy items back and forth. That can cause piling, which can accumulate quickly if you don’t pick it up. Luckily, a lint roller will easily remove them, but it can cause you additional work.

Is wool carpet a good investment? Yes. We consider wool carpet to be the top of the line luxury carpet you can bring into your home.

How long will a wool carpet last? When well cared for, wool carpet can last for decades.

Are those reasons enough for you to push wool carpet to the top of your list? 

The post Pros and Cons of Wool Carpet first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

Oak flooring extremely versatile and can be used in almost any room in your home. It is a fairly hardwearing and strong species of wood, so can withstand the footfall from a busy household. It will look stunning in your home and can be found in different styles, colours shades and plank sizes.  When you think of Oak, you may visualise the traditional planks of golden and pale tones.  There are so many other choices of Oak flooring too, including: Read More

If you’re wondering why do floors creak, we can help.  It doesn’t matter if you have carpet, hardwood or vinyl, all floors may creak at some point.  There are a few reasons why this happens.  We will cover some of them here.  Read on to find out more.

Old Hard Surface Flooring

It is expected to hear creaks when walking on century old hardwood flooring.  Over time, hard surface flooring expands and shrinks with humidity and temperature changes.  This is normal for all things in your home.  When this happens, it creates gaps in the flooring.  These gaps create friction when rubbed together.  That rubbing together happens when someone walks across a floor.  The difference in weight placed on one or two boards causes them to move into the space of another board and thus, creaking.  This process happens faster in environments that have drastic temperature and climate changes within a short period of time.  For example, some northern regions of the United States have cold winters and hot, humid summers.  Or further south, where hurricanes and tropical storms cause severe humidity increases that will cause boards to expand.

Sub-Floor Issues

Just like discussed above, those environmental changes also affect the sub-floor.  The sub-floor is ordinarily made from plywood.  Plywood is a manufactured product where thin layers of wood veneer are glued together while alternating the direction of the grain of wood with each layer.  This allows for strength and stability as a base layer.  The flooring of choice sits on top of this layer of plywood.  When temperature or humidity levels change, this can warp the plywood.  As the plywood warps one way, and the top layers of flooring warp another, it causes gaps between the layers.  When pressure is put on that gap, the rubbing of the 2 layers causes floor creaking.  Unfortunately, over time, this constant friction can deteriorate the sub-floor.

Poor Construction

One of the least common reasons for a floor that creaks is because of poor construction.  During the rough construction phase of a home, the sub-floor is screwed into floor joists.  This anchors the plywood to the “bones” of the home.  The flooring will sit on top of this sub-floor.  If someone misses the joist when screwing from above, that portion of the sub-floor may not be properly adhered to the joist and will cause squeaking. If the screw goes in at an angle and catches only a portion of the joist, that screw will become loose with the expansion and contraction of the joist wood and will also be a catalyst for creaking.  This is especially prevalent in new homes with floor creaks.

Whether you need to replace old flooring or have your sub-floor checked, The Carpet Guys have qualified professional installers that can help.  Our teams are experienced in all sorts of creaking floor corrections.  If you’re looking for some quick fixes, check out our blog How to Fix Squeaky Floors.  Otherwise, call 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or go online to set up a Free In-Home Estimate.  One of our knowledgeable Design Consultants will come to your home and assess your flooring needs. Make sure to tell them you want floor creaks corrected so they can put it on your contract.

The post Why Do Floors Creak appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

These days, if you decide you want to install wood flooring in your home, you have a lot of options. You’ll find row after row of traditional hardwood in all sorts of sizes, colors, and styles.

You’ll also find something more. Luxury vinyl tile now comes in planks you can drop into place, click together, and have a do it yourself floor in a matter of hours. Take a look at porcelain tile – yep, it’s also mimicking hardwood flooring.

It’s everywhere.

It can also leave you confused.

When you initially started shopping, you were sold on the benefits of laminate flooring. Is it still something to consider? Is laminate a good choice for today’s home?

What is laminate flooring

What made laminate a popular flooring choice in the past still holds true today. Laminate flooring looks like hardwood, but offers you many other benefits, including easy maintenance and an affordable cost.

Laminate flooring looks like hardwood planks. But instead of being crafted from solid wood, laminate is created in several layers and fused together for durability.

• Wear layer – this top layer provides strong protection against all your family can dish out including stains, scratches, and fading.
• Design layer – this can either be a thin veneer or a high-resolution photograph that mimics the hardwood styles you love.
• Inner core layer – this provides stability, durability, sound absorption, and moisture resistance. It’s made from a high-density wood fiberboard.
• Bottom layer – the backing layer, it offers protection against moisture, damage, and warping.

In general, you’ll find laminate flooring comes in two separate types.

Engineered wood – laminate is often referred to as engineered wood because of the multiple layers pressed together to create one board. The core layers can be as many as twelve layers of fiberboard pressed together for strength. The veneer, or top layer, is a very thin piece of natural wood that gives it its classic good looks. The term engineered comes from creating a plank with the looks of traditional hardwood, yet pressed together with many other benefits that can give you durability and longevity without the high price. Depending on how thick the top layer determines how many times you can sand and refinish the floor.

Plastic laminate – unlike engineered wood, plastic laminate is completely created in the lab, with the design layer being a photograph to mimic the look of natural wood. The other layers closely resemble those used in creating engineered laminate.

Thanks to technology, laminate looks closer to the real thing than ever before. But it does so at a fraction of the price. It’s tougher, easier to maintain, and resists things like scratches and dents. That makes it a good choice for busy families with pets and kids. Its lower cost also means you won’t worry as much about the action that occurs throughout your home.

What to consider when choosing laminate 

When a lot of people think of laminate, they remember stories from years before when it had a hollow sound. Technological advances have made high-quality laminate even better than it was before. Of course, that means you’ll have to wade through the products to find the best laminate your money can buy.

There are several things to consider when selecting high-quality laminate.

Purpose

Especially here in Colorado, hardwood tops the list of flooring choices for homeowners. But if you’ve owned hardwood before, or are leery because of what you’ve been reading about hardwood’s upkeep, laminate might be a better choice for you. Because of its multi-layer design, it gives you the look of hardwood with better wear factors. That means it’s a good choice for all the rooms in your home. If you haven’t had good luck with hardwood in your basement, for example, (and hardwood is rarely recommended for basement settings), you’re going to love the look of laminate flooring.

Location

What makes hardwood difficult to maintain in places like the kitchen or basement gives laminate a distinct advantage. When selecting laminate, be sure to read all manufacturer’s guidelines based on the location you’ll be installing it in. Often, it requires a certain underlayment to give it added durability and strength.

You can also look for laminate products exclusively made for high traffic areas. Look for the terms “high pressure” and “direct pressure” laminate. Direct pressure laminate is created from four layers used together with anywhere from 300 to 600 pounds of pressure. High pressure adds a fifth layer of craft  paper treated with a resin that increases the strength. This makes it even more durable in high traffic situations, and makes it suitable even for commercial applications.

Thickness

You’ll find laminate comes in a variety of thicknesses, usually between 7mm and 12mm thick. If you select thicker laminate, it does a better job covering uneven areas in your floor, and creates a texture and feel of real hardwood. Thicker is also better for sound absorbing qualities. Word of caution: some manufacturers state the thickness of their flooring by including the underlayment, while others do not. Keep this in mind when comparing two floorings.

AC rating

Laminate flooring also comes with an AC rating (Abrasion Criteria) to help you determine the durability of the product. AC ratings are from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest. You’ll find most residential laminate applications come with an AC rating of 3 or 4. A 3 would make it suitable for busy areas of your home, including the kitchen, while a 4 rating will add extra stability, making it more sustainable for places like bathrooms and the basement. A rating of 1 or 2 should be used in light traffic areas such as bedrooms.

Installation

While hardwood can be fussier with the installation process, you’ll find laminate is easier to install. Have a do it yourself attitude? You can easily install laminate, especially if you pick a floating floor with click-and-lock technology that makes snapping planks into place a breeze. Remember, laminate does need an underlayment unless the flooring comes preinstalled with an underlayment layer in place. You will need a saw for edgework and ensuring all planks fit comfortably into place.

Are you ready for laminate flooring installed in your home? Depending on your needs, it can still be the perfect choice for every room in your home.

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