Month: February 2022

For homeowners, the task of turning any house into a home can be quite the arduous one. With so many options and styles to choose from to when planning any type of remodeling work, making the right decision can sometimes feel overwhelming. Nowhere is this more apparent than choosing what to replace your floor with. That carpet tracks in dirt and is beginning to develop an unsightly odor. There’s a solution for that—say goodbye to the world of carpet forever and embrace the hardwood floor. We’ve made a list of reasons why it’s a good idea.

Easy to Clean

With carpets, there’s vacuuming, shampooing, and the longevity isn’t exactly known for being long-lasting. Hardwood floors are easy to clean, a rag can handle most messes and dust is taken care of with a quick sweep. Not to mention, carpets can become storehouses of odors and bacteria.

Strength

With very little in the way of maintenance needed, a hardwood floor can last an entire lifetime and then some. When the right material is used, a hardwood floor can sustain itself with relatively very little in the way of maintenance.

Style

Popular styles ebb and flow like the tide. What’s popular one year might be completely forgotten by the next. If you look at any lifestyle magazine from years past, you’ll find that hardwood floors have been very consistent in terms of staying power and popularity. I mean, when was the last time you heard someone talk about how much they love shag carpeting?

An Investment

One phrase you’ll often hear when hardwood floors get discussed is “long-lasting.” Having a hardwood floor installed is investing in your future. Not only will they add to the value of your home, but you’ll notice they also improve the quality of air as well.

Variety

While carpeting tends to be very bland and formulaic, the variety and shades of color you get from a hardwood floor are vast. There are several types of wood grains and varieties, and they can even be stained to create the ideal aesthetic that your house needs. For that rustic feel, install an unfinished hardwood floor, or for a more refined touch, possibly some sanded maple. The textures are endless and so are the possibilities.

Flooring.org

With a name like Flooring.org, it’s easy to see why we’re the flooring experts. One visit to our site and you’ll be amazed at the expansive inventory and affordable prices we have to offer. Hardwood floors can turn any house into a home. Give us a call today at 1-800-689-9006 with any questions.

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

At a glance, the differences between laminate vs luxury vinyl plank flooring are barely noticeable. Both come in styles designed to mimic the look of real wood or stone. These two floors are available in a click-and-lock installation method, and both are less expensive than the natural materials they imitate.

To help you determine which of these products is best suited for your home’s unique environment, we decided to weigh the potential pros and cons of each based on cost, performance, and overall ease of maintenance.

Cost of Laminate vs Luxury Vinyl

The potential cost of installing luxury vinyl flooring or laminate in your home boils down to three main factors:

• Quality of the product
• Whether you intend to do the work yourself
• The tools and trim needed

On average, a good-quality laminate product runs $6-$14 per square foot (not including all the extras). The cost of luxury vinyl flooring is approximately $5-$12 per square foot, with additional charges for installation. Expect to pay an additional cost of $5-$10 per square foot to cover installation costs and transition or trim pieces.

Comparison: LVT/LVP and Laminate are EVEN with the cost category

Performance

Flooring manufacturers use high-density fiberboard (a combination of resin and wood byproducts) to create the core of laminate. Then, they attach a photo of real wood covered with a wear layer. Lastly, they add a coating of aluminum oxide for protection. Laminate is popular with many homeowners because it is scratch-resistant and cost-efficient.

As a wood-based product, laminate flooring is not recommended for areas of the home with excessive moisture or humidity. Over time, high humidity is likely to cause buckling or gapping in laminate floors. If you need flooring that can withstand heavy foot traffic laminate flooring may suit your needs.

Luxury vinyl is available in two styles: tile, better known as LVT; and plank, better known as LVP. LVT mimics the appearance of stone, marble, and slate. Whereas luxury vinyl plank mimics the appearance of hardwood. Depending on the style and product you choose, there are two methods for installing luxury vinyl products. The “floating method” is when the planks or tiles interlock but do not attach to the subfloor. There is also the “glue-down method” which is when the product is glued to the substrate.

Luxury vinyl’s molecular structure makes it durable, dimensionally stable, and impervious to moisture. If you need new flooring in your basement, bathroom, or kitchen, luxury vinyl is a smart choice.

Comparison: Luxury Vinyl wins performance

Ease of Maintenance

Laminate and luxury vinyl flooring’s smooth surface makes it easy to clean. A microfiber duster or a broom is sufficient to remove any crumbs, dirt, or dust. Unfortunately, using a wet mop on laminate flooring will eventually lead to buckling, swelling, and chipping of the planks. Luxury vinyl flooring takes the lead in this category of our comparison because of its moisture-resistant properties.

Comparison: Luxury Vinyl wins ease of maintenance

If you live in Southeast Michigan and would like additional information on luxury vinyl, laminate, hardwood, or carpet, schedule a free in-home estimate from The Carpet Guys. You can also call us at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897). We have knowledgeable Design Consultants that will help you decide which flooring type will be best for your home and budget. And, The Carpet Guys employ the best installation teams in the industry. So feel confident that every aspect of your flooring will be top of the line!

The post Laminate vs Luxury Vinyl appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

More than ever, sustainable living starts at home. Why not start at the bottom … installing green flooring sets the stage for every eco-friendly item you bring into your living space. 

According to a report by the New Climate Economy, we could save as much as $26 trillion by 2030 if we move to more sustainable living.

As a population, we are only starting to realize the impact we can make even through small changes. A study by Southern Cross University found that 93 percent of all those surveyed indicated a general concern for the environment. With wildfires, plastic pollution, climate change, and more at the forefront of everyone’s minds, we all want to do what we can to make a difference. 

Sometimes the best place to start is at home. 

What is sustainable living?

According to Wikipedia, sustainable living is a lifestyle that attempts to reduce an individual’s or society’s use of the Earth’s natural resources, and one’s personal resources. It’s also known as net-zero living. 

In practice, it’s about reducing their carbon footprint. It includes altering home design and  transportation methods, energy consumption, and everyday living consumption. 

How does this differ from green living?

Green living is a lifestyle choice. It’s about making conscious choices that preserve and conserve the Earth’s natural recourse and habitats. They are done so with an environmentally ethical, eco-friendly outcome in mind. 

Green refers to environmental movements in general, while sustainability has clear-cut guidelines to put into practice. You strive for sustainability after you start bringing green living practices into your life. 

How does green flooring play into all of this? 

Choosing to increase green living means becoming more aware of the products and materials you bring into your home. 

According to the US Green Building Council, as you’re building or remodeling a home, going green allow you to:

• Increase energy savings
• Increase water efficiency
• Reduce CO2 emissions
• Improve indoor environmental quality
• Select resources based on their impact 

When selecting green flooring, it means paying attention to:

• How the flooring is manufactured
• Where the resources come from
• What production looks like
• How the manufacturer approaches eco-friendly processes
• The impact of the flooring once it’s brought into your home

Bamboo flooring is an excellent example of green flooring. It’s environmentally friendly because of how fast it grows. A bamboo grove can yield 20 times more timber than trees in the same location. It will also release 35 percent more oxygen in the process. And all of that can occur without the use of fertilizers and pesticides. 

What to look for in green flooring choices

Before you start looking for the right flooring choice for your home, it’s important to define exactly what to look for in an eco-friendly option. 

First, start with the manufacturing process used to create the flooring before it ever winds up on the retailers’ shelves. You’re looking for an option that offers natural and renewable resources. 

This can be subjective, depending on your goals and desires. Bamboo is eco-friendly in that a single bamboo tree can be harvested in three to five years. Compare that to a standard tree used in hardwood flooring production, requiring 40 to 60 years before harvesting. 

That doesn’t make one ultimately better than the other. It still requires research on your part to determine ethical practices all around. Trees used for hardwood flooring can be sustainable if the manufacturer cares about the process. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a certification program that ensures wood is harvested legally and sustainably. It certifies the wood comes from responsibly-managed forests. That gives you knowledge of knowing you’re selecting a manufacturer that cares about the process, and gives you a product that will stand the test of time. 

Next, pay attention to the life cycle of the flooring you’re installing. Even if you install a floor made from natural materials, if it needs replacing every few years, or requires unhealthy practices for installation or removal, it can fall off the sustainable list. 

In the case of hardwood flooring, for example, while it can take upwards of 60 years for the resource to be harvested, once it’s installed in your home, it can last for decades. With proper care, your hardwood can be a great flooring addition for many years. You can refinish it and give it new life when it starts wearing down. Even if you remove it, hardwood can often be recommissioned and used in other ways. It’s a product that keeps on giving. 

Hardwood also has the advantage of being biodegradable. If it winds up in the landfill, hardwood breaks down naturally over time. Of course, this is dependent on chemicals used on the surface. But in its natural form, hardwood is a great green flooring option. 

Finally, pay attention to the toxic chemicals in your flooring. This includes the entire life cycle. Consider toxins used in production, chemicals in adhesives or finishes, as well as harmful byproducts used in production or removal. 

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are harmful both to the air quality and your health. The Department of Health lists VOCs as a large group of chemicals found in many products we use to build and maintain our homes. Common examples include benzene, ethylene glycol, formaldehyde, methylene chloride, tetrachloroethylene, toluene, xylene, and 1,3-butadiene.

While VOCs are found in things like carpet, vinyl flooring, composite wood products, paint, varnish, caulk, and adhesives, they are also found in everyday items like cleaning products, cosmetics, and gasoline. Once you learn more about VOCs, you can pay attention to everything you bring into your life, making better choices to protect both the air quality and the health of everyone in our communities. 

Is green flooring the right choice for you? 

Is green flooring in your future? Are you trying to make smarter choices with the products and materials you bring into your home? 

A great place to start is by coming in and walking through our product lines. We can point you to some of the greenest, most sustainable flooring choices on the market. 

How can we help you select your next flooring? 

The post Why Green Flooring Can Help You With Sustainable Living first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

Are you shopping for new flooring? Are you looking for green materials?

Are you confused by some of the terminologies in today’s flooring industry?

We get it. We see words like “reclaimed wood”, “sustainable wood”, even green flooring used in ways that leave us scratching our heads.

When what you want is flooring with a lower carbon footprint, materials that don’t harm the earth, and have it look great in your house too, what should you do?

Let’s look at the industry as a whole, and what these words mean and how they’re used in the marketplace today.

How sustainable flooring became a marketing trend

When homeowners first started installing flooring in their homes, they looked to natural materials to make their floors warmer, more comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing. Over time, manufacturers looked for ways to improve production, get flooring products faster into the marketplace, and materials that were easy to produce and use for consumption.

That pushed a variety of materials out there, not all of them healthy for the environment. Or for people.

As we recognized that, the concept of sustainable living grew.

Sustainable flooring is produced from sustainable materials. It also uses a sustainable life cycle. This includes harvesting, production, use, and disposal.

As awareness grew, various organizations stepped in to assure practices were truly sustainable and offered benefits to society as a whole.

The USGBC (US Green Building Council) was established to transform how buildings were designed, constructed, and operated. Their goal is to ensure buildings and communities use environmentally and socially responsible materials that improve the quality of life.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the rating system used by the USGBC during all levels of project production. It utilizes a variety of tools and point-based systems to help every team member throughout the life cycle make wise choices about the materials they use.

BEES (Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability) software measures the environmental performance of building products at all stages of life. It’s a way to help people select cost-effective, environmentally-friendly building products for a project.

The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) sets standards for responsible forest management. This helps bring lumber to market now while preserving solid, healthy forests for a viable future.

Green Seal is a universal symbol of health and environmental leadership. It’s a way of recognizing those companies that use a safer, more sustainable way of delivering products and services to the market.

These are just a few of the many organizations that are doing their part to ensure a healthier world. Pay attention to where your flooring material comes from to learn more about the best practices used by individual manufacturers.

What is sustainable wood?

When you’re looking for hardwood flooring, sustainable means wood that comes from sustainable management practices.

It starts with forest management. Is the wood harvested in a healthy way to ensure the forest has sustainability for generations to come? That’s where markings from organizations like the FSC can help you recognize the ethical behavior of a particular manufacturer. Going with a reputable source will ensure the company sticks within certain guidelines. In the online world, trusting a “generic” source for cost only could get you less-than-stellar results with questionable business practices.

VOC (volatile organic compounds) are emitted as gasses from certain solids or liquids. They include a variety of chemicals, some of which can be harmful to human health. When flooring materials such as wood are created in unethical manners, they often use the cheapest materials and production processes to get the product to market. This means those harmful chemicals can live in your flooring, releasing gasses inside your home. By paying attention to the manufacturer and what organizations they belong to, you can reduce the potential harmful production methods a company uses to create a product or material.

How is sustainable wood different from reclaimed wood?

Reclaimed wood is also sometimes referred to as antique wood. It’s a high-quality wood taken from a variety of resources, ready to be reused. The wood is usually taken from existing structures that are in the process of being demolished or removed. Instead of being disposed of in landfills, the wood is upcycled and reused to create new building materials.

Because the original resource is important, you should also pay attention to where the reclaimed wood comes from. FSC has guidelines on reclaimed wood use too. Reclaimed wood can come from a variety of resources, but many come from old buildings that are beyond repair, primarily barn and rural structures before the 1930s.

Hardwood, in general, can last for decades. Even when not properly cared for, as is the case in old abandoned structures, it still has a sound design that, with a bit of care, can bring it back to life.

Reclaimed wood will almost always have an old, rustic look to it. Because it uses wood taken from places with older production processes, you’ll see different characteristics in the wood supply. That can be a welcome addition to many building projects, both commercial and residential.

Reclaimed wood is sustainable. But sustainable will not always be reclaimed.

What’s right for you – sustainable or reclaimed wood?

You’ll find sustainable wood choices in a variety of flooring options. Thanks to technology, many are easy to work with, easy to install, and make great additions to any building project you may be working on. They provide a smaller carbon footprint than other resources, meaning you’ll know you’re getting a product that can help you achieve whatever goals you’re looking for.

Reclaimed wood has many of the same benefits as sustainable wood. Since the wood is taken from older projects, you can also get character and personality you might not find in other building products. It can truly create a visually appealing look and feel to wherever you install it.

No matter what material you choose – sustainable wood or reclaimed wood – be sure you trust the resource where you buy it. That way, you’re ensured to get a high-quality product that will work well in your space for years to come.

The post Reclaimed Wood or Sustainable Wood – What’s The Difference? first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

If you can’t decide between dark or light hardwood flooring, then here are some tips that might help to make your decision easier.  For some people, they have a certain idea in their head of what their flooring will look like.  However, this is not the case for most of us!  With so much choice of flooring colours it can be difficult to make that final decision.  One of the most important choices is whether to opt for dark or light hardwood.  Having a dark or a light-coloured floor can really change the whole atmosphere and aesthetics of your room, so it is important to get it right. Read More

Honey maple or golden oak? Red chestnut or red mahogany?

When you’ve finally decided to install hardwood flooring throughout your home, one of the most difficult parts of the process is honing in on the right color. It can be agonizing moving between several closely related colors. One has a little more red, the other is a bit more yellow. Which will be the easiest to live with for years to come?

Before you get to color, start with material first

Hardwood is hardwood … right? If you’ve been shopping for any length of time, you know there are big differences between different materials.

If you walk through a forest, or even take in the landscape as you travel to various regions of the world, you know different trees take on unique characteristics. An elm or ash tree looks vastly different from a pine.

Their outward appearance dictates how they will act as flooring material. The Janka Hardness Scale is designed to help you understand the qualities of individual wood. A wood’s hardness is evaluated by the amount of force needed to drive a .444 inch steel ball into the wood at half the ball’s diameter. It’s measured in pounds-force, and gives you an idea of just how hard specific materials are. While strand-woven bamboo is at the upper end of the scale in the 4,000s, a Douglas fir is at the lower end around 700.

Red oak is considered the mainstay in the industry. Because of its abundance, it is used widely as building material, including hardwood flooring planks. It carries a rating of 1290, meaning it pairs hardness with durability, making it a workhorse in the average family home.

Harder materials aren’t always better. The harder the floor, the less give it has to everyday activities. If you drop a glass, or your toddler falls, hardness may not be the best addition to your home. Harder materials are also more difficult to cut, drive nails into, or piece together for finishing work. Installation costs will be higher with more rigid materials. It’s a careful balance of personality, aesthetics, and functionality.

Color, color everywhere

As you’re finalizing your color choice, it goes without saying that your flooring color should match the aesthetics of your home. Cabinet color, appliance color, wall paint, furniture patterns – a mishmash of color will leave a room feeling chaotic at best. Your new hardwood should also blend well with other existing flooring materials inside your home.

Complementing existing colors may be necessary to create visual appeal. But you don’t always want exact matches in order to create harmony inside a room. Too much of one color can leave a room feeling flat. Instead, opt for complementary rather than identical.

In most cases, small rooms do better with lighter colors. Light colored wood floors will open up a room, leaving it feeling fresh and airy.

Exotic woods have become a trend in recent years. This includes hardwood like Brazilian Cherry or mahogany. There’s no mistaking these dark woods add sophistication and elegance to any room. But they may not be for every home. They are perfect for the kitchen, bathrooms, or even living spaces where quiet sophistication is what you choose to display.

We’ve also seen an uptick in patterned hardwood. This can be worked into your home in several ways. Parquet flooring is rising in popularity because of the intricate patterns it can add to a room. Or consider mixing different types of materials to get a unique hardwood pattern that’s all your own.

Let’s get into specifics

We’ve noticed homeowners are choosing bolder, richer colors. While standard oak finishes have become staple in homes all across America, right here in the Front Range, people are playing off our love of the great outdoors. Why not have fun with the color choices you make?

Instead of sticking with a standard color with little variance, homeowners are getting into mixed hardwood species, or using reclaimed wood blends for a unique look. Wild patterns and bold textures can make your flooring stand out, not just blend in with the surroundings.

If boldness isn’t quite up to your tastes, maybe you prefer hardwood with a natural appeal. We’re seeing an influx of gray tones mix into hardwood flooring choices. Flooring with smoky undertones adds both drama and character that can be appealing in some homes. This gives a rustic, edgy look that can lighten up any space.

Want even lighter? Bleached or whitewashed floors are also making a comeback. For contemporary, modern spaces, you can’t go wrong with the smooth, pleasing look that belaced or whitewashed flooring brings to a room. We love it because it puts the focus on natural wood grain, without making the floor look busy. It’s a great way to let the vibrancy of your home shine through.

And while many homeowners become fixed on color, you do have other ways to make your color choice shine through. Why not play with the size of the planks you install too? Plank size puts the natural grain and variance of the wood choice on display. We love wider planks because you notice the rich texture of the wood rather than the spacing between the boards. If you’re looking for a smooth, contemporary finish to bring into your space, this may be the perfect way to do it.

Final thoughts on hardwood color choices

If you stick with a standard color, standard material, it’ll never go out of style.

But if you want to bump up your selection, add more personality to your home, and move to something a bit more edgy, that might leave you stuck on what to do.

Trendy styles and colors will help sell a home in the short turn. If you’re thinking of selling, and are remodeling to get the most bang for your buck, select what current designers are showcasing. Right now, that includes super dark flooring colors, planks with undertones of gray, or natural-looking floorboards that look like you pulled them directly from nature.

Classic looks will never go out of style. If you’re having trouble deciding, worried about how you’ll feel in a few years, we often recommend erring on the side of classic. You’ll never be sorry when you stick with tones that have been around for years.

And if you’re really worried about which selection to make, go with your gut instinct first.

Whether you love light or dark, want earthy tones, or love bright colors, chances are you find yourself walking up to similar color patterns again and again. There’s a reason for that.

That’s your personality shining through.

Trust your gut. Select a hardwood color choice that resonates with you.

That’s the color that’ll look good in your home. One you’ll love for many years to come.

The post Decided To Install Hardwood? Here’s How You Pick The Right Color first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

If you’re reading this, it means you’re preparing for your carpet installation, congratulations! Welcome to The Carpet Guys family.

Now that you have selected the perfect flooring for your home, it’s time to learn what you can do to prepare for the installation. To make it easy, we made a checklist you can use. You saw this document during your free estimate. We have it here just in case you need a refresher.

Let’s get started.

Pre-Installation Preparation

1. ) Our carpet installation times run between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours of arrival may vary due to situations like bad traffic or weather. Also, the time it takes to complete your installation may take more than one day depending on its size. Keep this in mind when you set up your installation date.

2.) Our installers are happy to move your heavy furniture, but there are a couple of things that you will have to move on your own before they arrive. These items include the following:

• Small objects and breakables
• Electronics
• Weight sets
• Pool tables
• Aquariums
• Pianos

Also, please make sure that any wires, gas lines, and water lines have been disconnected. Those will require a professional for reconnection when the flooring is complete. Bedding and closet floors must be emptied as well.

3.) Make sure to tell your design consultant and installers if you have any wiring, burglar alarms, or heat components underneath your existing flooring. It’s your responsibility to make sure we know this information so we can properly accommodate the floor’s needs.

4.) We can use your existing tack strips if you currently have wall-to-wall carpeting installed. If they need to be replaced, we will replace them at no additional charge. If you decided to rip up your old carpeting, please make sure that all the staples have been removed.

5. ) Please make sure that the power is on in the home we will be working in. We cannot do the installation without electricity. Also, please maintain the home at 70 degrees for three days prior to your installation for proper acclimation and optimum installation conditions. If the room is too cold, the glue will not cure and the carpet backing is too hard to bend, causing walls to be scratched unnecessarily.

What we will do for you

We want to make sure all of your valuables are safe. So please make sure to adhere to all of your Design Consultants’ pre-install requests.

Once all the small stuff is out, we can take care of the big stuff. When our installers arrive at your home, they will do the following:

• Our installers will move out your heavy furniture including entertainment centers, couches, and chairs.
• After the furniture is cleared out, they will remove the old flooring, roll it up and place it outside by the curb or haul it away if that was agreed upon in your contract.
• After the carpet install is done, the furniture will be placed back into the room for you.

With your help, the installation will go by quickly so you can enjoy your beautiful new floors.

The Perfect Installation with The Carpet Guys

No matter where you go, service from The Carpet Guys will always be the best you’ll find. It’s easy to stand out above the box stores and national chains in one big way; we truly care.

Knowing what it takes to install carpet and flooring correctly allows us the ability to guarantee you will be satisfied with your services. We even provide a Lifetime Installation Warranty because we are so confident in our teams.

Give us a call to get your free estimate scheduled at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897). You can also fill out the free in-home estimate form and we will call you. We aim to make flooring uncomplicated, so getting your estimate is easier than ever.

Make flooring simple with The Carpet Guys today.

The post How to Prepare for Your Carpet Installation appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

Thinking of remodeling your home? Want to upgrade your living space for better workability? For many, it starts with the question: Laminate or hardwood, which is better suited for my needs?

Selecting the right flooring material is one of the most important questions you’ll ask yourself in any remodeling project. Flooring sets the stage for your entire design. Get it wrong, and you’ll regret your decision for years to come.

A study by Houzz, an online redecorating resource, found that 75 percent of homeowners planning on remodeling listed flooring as one of the top projects they planned to take on.

Where should you begin?

Laminate or hardwood – an overview

When most homeowners start thinking of remodeling, their minds often turn to hardwood flooring. But in today’s world, even the concept of hardwood is blurring.

Many different flooring options are taking on the appearance of hardwood. You can install luxury vinyl tiles, or even porcelain tiles that take on the appearance of hardwood. Want the “real thing” with more flexibility? Laminate remains ever-popular.

For some, only “real” hardwood will do.

Solid hardwood flooring consists of solid hardwood from top to bottom. The boards average ¾ inch thick, with grooved edges that interlock for a smooth surface area. Most solid wood floors are blind-nailed into place. They can be installed prefinished – select your stain before you install – or site-finished, meaning the floorboards are sanded, stained, and sealed once they are laid into place.

Laminate is increasing in popularity.

Laminate flooring is manufactured with multiple layers for strength and durability. It starts with several layers of wood byproducts as a core. A printed design layer is placed on top to resemble wood and other materials. A protection layer finishes it off, offering scratch-resistance and durability to prevent it from common household mishaps. These boards often have click in place edges that allow them to snap together and hold in place. That means they’re easier to install than hardwood, no nailing or gluing required.

Which is right for you?

Laminate or hardwood – pros and cons

While both laminate and hardwood can give you a floor you’ll love for years to come, they each have distinct advantages and disadvantages when installed inside your home.

Appearance

It’s hard to deny that solid hardwood gives you a look that’s impossible to replicate. The strong lines, grains, and finishes create a rich quality that can give your home aesthetics and appeal. Style and color can be found to match anything you desire. From standard materials like oak to exotic choices like Brazilian cherry, you’ll have numerous options when designing your rooms.

Because laminate is created using life-like imagery, it can take on a wide variety of appearances you might not find in nature. Looking for something lighter or darker than you’ve seen in hardwood? You might find it with laminate. What people usually find with laminate is a more standard approach to patterns. If uniformity is important to you, you’ll find common threads throughout laminate materials. It lacks some of the originality you’ll discover when laying a floor made with natural hardwood.

Longevity

When maintained properly, hardwood floors can last for decades. Hardwood has the distinct ability to be able to be sanded down and refinished when the surface scratches, dents, or even stains. That makes it an investment that keeps on giving for many years to come. Keep in mind that hardwood is susceptible to warping and damage when it comes in contact with moisture. Hardwood isn’t a product that should be installed in places like bathrooms or basements. When moisture is ever-present, hardwood isn’t the best choice.

Many people think laminate can be a better choice where hardwood is questionable. That isn’t necessarily the case. Laminate takes on many of the same qualities as hardwood. The core is susceptible to damage in moist conditions. It has the added issue of having a top image surface instead of real hardwood, which means it can’t be sanded down and refinished. Laminate must be replaced if it’s damaged, warped, or scratched. But thanks to its cost, it makes a welcome addition to many homes who are looking for appearance in the short term.

Green, eco-friendly design

Want a green, eco-friendly material to improve sustainability inside your home? There are many ways to make solid hardwood more sustainable. Reclaimed hardwood is growing in popularity. This is repurposing existing wood previously used in building. Many forests are now sustainably resourced and farmed as a crop. That means for every tree that is harvested, new trees are planted and maintained. Just look for seals like Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to ensure your hardwood is sourced using sustainable guidelines.

Many assume laminate wins in the sustainability race because it isn’t sourced from forests. This isn’t necessarily the case. Laminate is created using composite processes of mixing wood products with resins and glues. This can increase VOCs and create off-gassing. This is where it pays to do your research. Ensure you select high quality manufacturers who develop products without questionable material. We can help you find the right product to suit your needs.

Installation

Installing hardwood isn’t a process that happens overnight. It’s also not a good choice for installers who wish to have a DIY project. Solid hardwood takes time to install. It must acclimate to your surroundings for a few days before it’s installed. Nailing or gluing means it takes experience to understand the process. If you don’t have expertise in finishing work, the surface area may not look like a quality finish. Prefinished planks aren’t as fussy as site finished, but it still takes expert guidance to lay each plank into place.

Laminate is very easy to install – it’s the perfect choice for a do-it-yourselfer. Laminate comes in click and lock technology, which means the surface area floats over the subfloor. It’s more forgiving if you make mistakes, and can even be taken up and reinstalled if you have a problem. That also means laminate can be used below-grade in basements if you don’t have a high moisture issue. If you want a floor installed quickly, laminate may be your choice.

Laminate or hardwood – what’s your choice? 

There is never a right choice for every homeowner. It depends on your needs, your style, and what you’re looking for.

If you have questions about laminate, hardwood, or what’s the best choice to suit your needs, we can help you finalize your decision, and pick the perfect flooring for your home remodeling project.

The post Laminate or Hardwood – Which Is Right For Your Remodel? first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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Living life inside

If you’re like most, you haven’t been to a movie theater lately. Instead, you might be discussing the streaming services that are portals to the hottest TV shows. The Olympics may have you glued to your screens absorbing big air and spectacular falls that dash a lifetime hopes.

Perhaps you’re gnashing your teeth or cheering over the Super Bowl results. And maybe you are one of the thousands who happily consume about 1.42 billion saucy chicken wings (truth) in our living or rec rooms during the game.

If you’re more active, you likely to have a home gym to sweat it all off, maybe with a virtual trainer. In-person gym membership numbers are down too.

Our winter habits this year add up to a lot of time at home. A bunch of chillaxing nestled on sofas and sprawled back in easy chairs. Hours breathing hard and sweating on the treadmill or Peloton. We crowd together, eat, drink, spill and… sneeze or cough. We also shed skin as fast as our pets shed hair.

Steam clean for health

That’s why it’s more important than ever to regularly clean your carpets and upholstery. Steam cleaning not only keeps your home livable and your upholstery newer, it may help reduce germs that are caught in that easy chair, or that land in front of your well-used sofa.

Not sure your upholstery needs a good clean? Grab a white cotton towel. Rub it on the surface of your most used furniture. If it stays clean, perhaps you can wait a couple more months to call a professional. If your towel is smudged with dirt, it’s time to consider steam cleaning.

At A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning we employ a truck-mounted steam cleaning system and the water used to clean your carpet is at least 180 degrees. According to industry guidelines, that’s hot enough to kill 98 percent of household germs including colds and flu.

Steam clean for comfort

According to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, a whopping 50 million Americans experience allergies every year. Allergies are the 6^th leading cause of illness in the U.S! Allergies happen when our immune systems react to foreign substances. Scientists call those substances “allergens.” Common respiratory allergens are dust, pollen, grass and pet dander.

You guessed it, frequently used furniture and carpeting can accumulate all of these things—especially in a state like Colorado when we love being outdoors (and tracking them inside) as much as we love our pets.

Regular vacuuming as well as carpet and upholstery cleaning can make every breath easier for those with sensitive immune systems in your family. If you have allergy sufferers among your loved ones, we recommend upholstery and carpet cleaning at least once a year.

Trust the experts

Dining chairs, easy chairs, throw pillows and loveseats can all use routine TLC. A professional carpet and upholstery cleaner like A Personal Touch can help you remove spills and pet odors with a thorough steam cleaning. Our IICRC trained technicians are knowledgeable about many different kinds of furniture fabrication from leather to corduroy and velvet. You can trust your furniture to us, be it Furniture Row, antique, Bauhaus vintage or ultra-modern. For frequently used pieces, we can professionally apply fabric protector to extend the life of your furniture.

Get in touch today

A Personal Touch Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning can help keep your family healthy and your furniture stain-free and vibrant. We don’t cut corners, we clean them. Call us at 720-344-2870 for a free estimate or simply schedule an appointment.

Sources

Americans to enjoy 1.42 billion chicken wings at the Super Bowl | AGDAILY

Allergy Facts | AAFA.org

The post Winter carpet tips: regular carpet and upholstery cleaning may help reduce germs appeared first on A Personal Touch.

We have three new amazing floors in our Charnwood range of engineered Oak. These new floors are slightly different from the traditional plank or parquet block style.  They are a chevron block, and there are three shades of Oak to choose from! Read More