Month: March 2022

Hallway Flooring Choices

When thinking about hallway flooring choices, you will want to consider quite a few things.  Firstly, the hallway is the entrance to your home, so you will want a stunning and memorable floor to welcome people in.  Secondly, the floor that you choose will need to be hardwearing, especially as a hallway is one of the busiest areas of your home.  Finally, you will, more than likely, want a floor that is easy to keep clean. Read More

Tile Continues To Be One Of The Most Durable Flooring Options

What does the word “tile” bring to mind?

For some, it might symbolize a durable flooring option.

For others, it can be a sign of beauty.

Tile is a versatile flooring choice that works just about anywhere.

Yet what a tile actually is may surprise you.

Wikipedia states a tile is a thin, square or rectangular covering manufactured from hard-wearing materials. It can be made from ceramic or stone, but it can also be created from glass or fabric.

What makes tile multifaceted is the fact it can be easily replaced. If a tile breaks, with care and work, you can replace it and have your entire flooring look great once again.

Whether you’re using tile in a residential application, or are replacing flooring in a commercial setting, you’ll never regret it as your flooring of choice. Why?

In one word: durability. Regardless of where you install it, tile will stand the test of time and look good in the process.

Want to learn even more about tile? We’ll share some of the top reasons why we love tile, and think it makes the perfect application to almost any residential or commercial space.

The most durable tile for your home

People often select tile when they want a combination of color, functionality, and style all wrapped into one.

Tile Continues To Be One Of The Most Durable Flooring OptionsThe best tile you can choose is the one that works for the room. Tile flooring adds value to your home, and it does even more.

  • Need a waterproof option? Tile maybe your solution.
  • Want a flooring that is easy to clean and maintain? Depending on the tile you select, you can easily wipe dirt and grime away.
  • If you need something hypoallergenic? Tile can be there for you too.
  • Want a specific color or design? Nothing gives you more options than tile flooring.

That may be the most challenging part about installing a new tile floor. Where do you begin! With so many options available to you, you’ll need time to settle on the right tile floor for you. Popular choices include:

Ceramic tile – made from red, brown, or white clay, these can be your best option in a variety of situations. Put it in the bathroom; it works great for flooring, countertops, and shower walls. Place them in the kitchen; they look as great on the floor as they do on a backsplash. Once hardened and fired, ceramic tile can be durable enough to last for years. The color and pattern choices are endless, which gives you an infinite palette of opportunity as you install it into your home.

Natural stone – nothing says quiet elegance quite like natural stone. Whether you choose granite, limestone, or marble, using a natural stone brings the great outdoors inside. They come in any size and shape, depending on how natural you want to go. If you’re looking for personality and uniqueness, natural stone brings it to the table. You’ll always see individual beauty shining through, because each stone is uniquely its own.

Luxury vinyl tile – many people think they know what tile truly is. They think ceramic or stone … but it’s so much more. Tile has two core characteristics: its familiar square or rectangular shape, and its ease of installation. You’ll find both in today’s luxury vinyl tile. Whether you select the look of hardwood or stone, these hardworking tiles keep on giving. What’s more, they bring in the most popular flooring choices available, and add something more. If you’ve always wanted hardwood but need waterproof too, luxury vinyl tile may be the perfect solution.

The most durable tile for high-traffic situations

Inside your home, some areas naturally see more traffic than others. Think about how many times you walk through the front door into the entryway. Or down the hallway. Or into the kitchen. Wear patterns form quickly on flooring that is anything but durable.

Now think about commercial applications. The definition of high-traffic changes again. While you may have a handful of people walking through your home each day, hundreds, even thousands can journey over specific paths in a commercial setting. That means you have to think carefully about the most durable flooring options to suit your needs. Luckily, tile tops the list.

Quarry tile – this is perfect for heavy-duty applications. Made from hard-fired clay, this gives you functionality and durability, all in a pretty package. With the color and pattern choices available to you, you’ll be able to create and design you’re looking for. Just ensure you use epoxy grout and adhesive specifically designed for high-traffic applications to safeguard your tile and keep it durable throughout its use.

Luxury vinyl tile – if you select a commercial grade luxury vinyl tile, you’ll have a durable flooring that’s attractive enough for even the most upscale space. We’ve seen luxury vinyl tile placed in offices, schools, even medical spaces. These products are also known as resilient flooring for a very good reason. If you want a flooring choice that can handle all you dish out, luxury vinyl tile may be just what you’re looking for.

Carpet tile – did you look at this heading twice? How can carpet be durable? Today’s commercial carpet tiles are some of the most durable flooring choices on the market. These aren’t your typical broadloom carpets. If you want a soft flooring that looks great too, you’ll be surprised at just how well carpet tiles function in a variety of situations. Not just for commercial applications, we see them popping up in residential homes too.

Still have questions about tile and how they can offer you durable flooring options? 

We have the answers for you.

While we’ve tried to cover a variety of flooring options available to suit all of your needs, it’s still just an overview of what’s truly possible for your final design.

We’re here and ready to answer all of your questions. Whether you’re buying tile for one room, or have an entire commercial space in need of new flooring, we can help you find a durable flooring option you’re going to love as much in the future as you do on the showroom floor.

The post Tile Continues To Be One Of The Most Durable Flooring Options first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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Why Carpet Stairs?

If you’re trying to decide why carpet stairs, The Carpet Guys can help.  Frequently, our Design Consultants are asked questions about stairs and the best way to handle them.  Read on to find out more about stairs and carpet.

Stairs in the Home

carpet runner on formal stair case

Most homes in the Midwest have stairs. Even many single-level, ranch-style homes have stairs to a basement. Some homes and condos may have a step or two in a family room or formal area. Most stairs are for the purpose of moving from one level to the next. But some stairs are meant to be an aesthetic addition to an entryway of the home. No matter the purpose of the staircase, The Carpet Guys want to make sure you are safe in your home. So frequently, we recommend putting carpet on stairs.

carpet on staircase going to hardwood

Stair Carpet Safety

With the invention of luxury vinyl and laminate at a price point lower than hardwood, many homeowners want that “wood-look”. These hard surface flooring options are clean, easy to maintain, and will elevate the appearance of a room. Unfortunately, they are not the best stair option due to safety.  Most people wear socks or slippers in their homes. Any hard surface flooring is slippery. One wrong move and you could fall down hard stairs. If you add carpet, it gives the foot something to grip. Even adding a carpet runner if there is hardwood is preferable to nothing.

Stair Wear-and-Tear

Safety is the biggest reason our Design Consultants recommend carpet on stairs. We want to make sure steps are not a slippery hazard.  But another reason is that carpet can endure the wear-and-tear that stairs endure.  Every step down engages twice the weight because of the action. This means that stairs will wear quicker than a bedroom or hallway.  The cost to replace and refresh worn carpet on stairs is lower than replacing hard surface flooring. Plus, carpet absorbs the impact of your footfall making a softer landing for your feet and legs.

The last reason we recommend carpet on stairs is the beautiful, finished look. Having a Hollywood tucked finish or a carpet runner on a hard surface creates a look of elegance. It’s also quieter! If you’re looking for more information about all the ways to finish stairs check out our blogs What are the Best Flooring Options for Stairs? Or What is a Waterfall Finish?  We can also help you when you call us at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or set up a free in-home estimate with one of our professional Design Consultants.

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A Guide To Hypoallergenic Flooring

The coughing. The sneezing! It can leave you searching for relief.

And eventually, it can lead you to look at your home as a source. What can you do to make your home a little more friendly towards keeping you feeling your best? A little research may lead you to your flooring – it’s a great place to start.

Hypoallergenic means a product contains few allergy-producing substances known as allergens. They have been proven not to trigger allergic reactions.

Combine it with flooring – hypoallergenic flooring – and you create a base that allows you to have a room you can live in all the while feeling your best.

Some flooring materials are better than others.

Getting to the root of the hypoallergenic movement

Before we start discussing hypoallergenic flooring choices, we thought we’d dive deep into understanding hypoallergenic a bit more, since it’s a relatively new term. You might start noticing “hypoallergenic” on a wide variety of products – flooring, cosmetics, even the paints you use on your walls.

After a series of court cases, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled that FDA’s regulation defining “hypoallergenic” was invalid. This means there is now no regulation specifically defining or governing the use of the term “hypoallergenic” or similar claims. And because of the lengthy procedural steps required to establish a new regulation, that is likely to be the situation for some time to come.

Every individual has varying degrees of sensitivity to allergy-causing products and chemicals. It’s up to you to decide what’s right for your situation.

Still, doing your research can help you discover the best materials on the market today, and use that to make decisions that can impact your health.

What is hypoallergenic flooring?

A Guide To Hypoallergenic FlooringWhile there might not be clearly defined rules on what hypoallergenic flooring is, you can still look to manufacturer’s guidelines to help you find the best fit to suit your needs. Because the top lines are working hard to create carefully crafted products, they often work with other organizations to create the best products possible.

Hypoallergenic flooring of any kind will resist moisture and block bacteria, fungi, and other contaminants that may impact your health. They use materials that have a lower chance of causing a reaction, and push away from using things like VOCs and toxic chemicals.

To ensure flooring meets these standards, you can look for certification programs that test materials and issue it to certain manufacturers who are going above and beyond.

A UL Greenguard Certification mark on the package will ensure the product has been scientifically proven to have low chemical emissions. In other words, it tells you that the flooring material has low levels of volatile organic compounds VOCs.

Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX is another certification program that ensures non-hazardous end-products and all of the materials and components in the final product are tested and proven free of harmful levels of toxic substances.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a green building rating system that ensures all building materials are healthy, highly efficient, and offer cost-savings. Many commercial buildings are now working towards their LEED certification, which not only helps create healthier space, but can make the building more desirable too.

Sold on hypoallergenic flooring? Here are some options

Every flooring you’ll find across our showroom is created by manufacturers who are working hard to create a better product. But if you’re specifically looking for the most hypoallergenic flooring choices on the market today, we suggest a few of our favorites.

In general, hard surfaces will work the best at creating hypoallergenic flooring space. That’s because it’s easy to clean, easy to sweep and mop up any messes you make, and it won’t attract dust mites or other pollutants. But keep in mind that all hardwood is not created equal.

Solid hardwood is typically your priciest option, but it will also be your healthiest option. Solid hardwood is hard all the way through, and is a living material that provides natural benefits to your living space. Like a tree in the forest, hardwood can be impacted by moisture and humidity, so it’s important to maintain it well over time.

Engineered hardwood is made from layers of wood or high-density particleboard bonded together with adhesive, and topped with a thin wood veneer. This lowers the cost compared to solid hardwood, and makes it harder and more forgiving in places where solid hardwood might not work, like basements.

Laminate is made from particle board topped with a photograph designed to simulate real wood. It can be highly durable in places where solid hardwood might not hold up. And at a lower cost than solid hardwood or engineered hardwood, it’s a viable option for a lot of homeowners.

With either, it is important to pay attention to the production process, and be careful about ensuring they meet guidelines of green certification boards. Some manufacturers will use toxic chemicals in the production process, with adhesives having things like formaldehyde as a binder, which is a common asthma trigger.

If you love the look of hardwood, but want a twist to your design, there are other options. One of the best alternative options for hardwood flooring is bamboo. It’s an all natural product made from bamboo, which is considered one of the most sustainable flooring materials in use.

Bamboo is a durable material that has been proven to last up to 50 years when well cared for. Like hardwood, it’s important to pay attention to the production, and look for certification programs listed on the packaging. Certain brands can use adhesives with higher levels of VOCs.

Another product that simulates solid hardwood is cork flooring. Cork is made from the bark of a cork oak tree, sustainable because the bark can be harvested multiple times without harming the tree. It has a softer texture than solid hardwood, making it a good flooring choice in homes with small children or elderly. It also has a natural resilience against things like dust mites, making clean up a breeze.

Thinking of hypoallergenic flooring in your next remodel? 

Before you make your final selection, stop by and see our entire line. We can help you find the flooring material perfect for your lifestyle. We’ll help you select wisely, so you love your flooring for years to come.

The post A Guide To Hypoallergenic Flooring first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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Why spring is the perfect time for upholstery (and carpet) cleaning

Ever take a nap on your sofa on a Sunday? Maybe you’ve watched the game or an old western. Then, slowly you’ve nodded off blearily gazing at Clint Eastwood or the ceiling.

A little while later, you wake up with a face full of sofa cushion.

And maybe, just maybe, you also wake up wondering, “What is that smell?”

It’s a little delicate. We do a LOT of living in our living rooms. Our pets drool on the couch (we do too) or bring us a drippy ball and set it on the ottoman. Some of us sit down on the upholstery after a dirty day at work, or spill beer and snacks on the couch during the big playoffs.

Kids or our spouse use the family room recliner to get well from a broken rib or the flu. Soggy tissues clutter the armrests. Cold medicine is dripped on the upholstery. Cough drops get shoved into the cracks where they crumble and melt.

And that’s not to mention the kid experiments that are brought in from the backyard that somehow end up on your favorite antique chair.

Get back the newness

Soon it will be sunny outside for keeps. You’ll be able to throw open the windows and air out the whole house. Ahhh, freshness!

Spring is a time for big cleaning efforts for a reason. New growth will spring from the trees and flowers will poke their heads up from the earth outside. It’s a perfect time to renew your environment inside too.

Professional upholstery and carpet cleaning with a truck-mounted steam cleaning system removes dirt, dust and grime and those little messes that build up from day-to-day living. That includes smells and dust trapped down deep in your upholstery.

Protect your investments

Your furniture and carpets are a valuable part of your house. You spent a lot of time picking them out or installing them. Sometimes furniture is passed down through the generations and is emotionally priceless too. Your possessions are worth the upkeep. They can serve you for years to come if you take care of them.

That’s why it’s important to vacuum your sofas, loveseats and chairs regularly. Then, once a year or so make an appointment for professional upholstery cleaning to remove stains and grime.

Keep the loveseat lovelier longer

You could rent a cheap steam cleaning system to clean your upholstery yourself. But, what would you miss?

A professional carpet and upholstery cleaner like A Personal Touch knows exactly how to clean a variety of fabrics from durable to delicate. Our technicians receive regular training and our company is certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration. We understand:

  • Preparation. We put plastic protectors beneath your furniture legs to protect your carpets.
  • Stain treatment. We can analyze your furniture stains and provide just the right treatment to get them out without harming fabric.
  • Special features. We treat furniture trimmings, cushions and throw pillows, separately. We know how to make true whites and deep colors look their best.
  • Protection. After cleaning, we can treat your furniture with a soil protector fiber coat to ensure lasting beauty.

Celebrate spring inside your home as well as outside. Call A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning Services today to schedule an upholstery cleaning in Littleton, Castle Rock, Englewood or beyond at 720.344.2870, or use our online contact form to ask questions and request a free quote. Be sure to check out our service specials too.

The post Why spring is the perfect time for upholstery (and carpet) cleaning appeared first on A Personal Touch.

Choosing Between Solid and Engineered Hardwood Flooring

When shopping for flooring for your home, the possibilities are nearly endless. Once you decide you want hardwood, as opposed to carpet or tile, your next decision is to choose between solid or engineered hardwood flooring. Learn whether you should choose solid or engineered hardwood flooring by reading on.

Solid hardwood flooring is hardwood flooring that is created strictly from wood. These 100% wood planks are excellent for several reasons. For one, they are more valuable and long-lasting. When you pick solid hardwood flooring for your home, you can feel confident that this flooring will last for generations. To add, solid hardwood flooring is easy to maintain. All you have to do is use a broom to sweep up debris and a rag to wipe up liquid spills.

However, solid hardwood flooring has its downsides. Even though hardwood flooring is a popular option for rooms that are exposed to moisture, such as kitchens, solid hardwood flooring does not respond well to high levels of moisture. If your floors are constantly exposed to water, they may warp.

Solid vs Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood flooring is hardwood flooring that combines solid hardwood with a non-solid base. The planks of engineered hardwood are usually made from plywood, which makes them more affordable, lightweight, and water-resistant. If you’re worried about exposure to moisture, engineered hardwood flooring is more suitable for your home than solid hardwood because of its water-resistant properties.

Another perk to engineered hardwood flooring is it’s easier to install in your home than solid hardwood. If you’re attempting to install hardwood on your own, engineered is a safer selection.

Engineered hardwood flooring has its downfalls as well. Because this flooring option isn’t 100% hardwood, it doesn’t last as long. While the flooring should last your lifetime, it may not last as long as your home and it will require replacement planks as time goes on.

Now that you have a better understanding of solid vs. engineered hardwood flooring, you’re ready to pick the most suitable option for your home. To shop from various types of hardwood flooring, visit Flooring.org. We offer a wide range of top-quality flooring that can help you transform your house into a home. Shop with us online and contact us by phone at 800-689-9006 with any questions.

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

Visit our showroom

If you are looking for a new floor, come and visit our showroom.  We have over 200 floors on display and technically trained staff that can answer any questions that you may have.

Our main showroom is in Leicester, just 15 minutes from Junction 21 of the M1. Read More

Is Carpet Coming Back In Style?

I’ll never forget restoring an old house we bought many years ago. We walked around shortly after closing, dreaming about how each room would be designed.

“Get rid of the old carpets.”

That was first on our list of to-do’s.

And as we peeled back the carpet, hardwood shined from underneath. Sanded, stained, and polished, it’s been a mainstay in our house ever since.

So why would I be considering carpet once again? Is carpet coming back in style? The answer may surprise you.

The history of carpet

You might think carpet is a relatively new flooring material. Think again.

The very first carpet were rugs made from sheep wool or goat hair. They entered residential locations over 4,000 years ago, when people used them to make their living spaces more comfortable. Many still sat on the floor for a variety of activities, and rugs made the flooring space easier to sit on.

Surprisingly, these early rugs have stood the test of time in appearance and quality. We still use rugs for a lot of the same purposes, although the patterns, colors, and uniformity have improved.

Is Carpet Coming Back In Style?Our modern-day carpets originated back in the 1800s as manufacturing picked up speed, and the power loom was created to weave carpets. This increased production, which meant costs lowered and the product became more in demand.

Today, people still use rugs and carpets to enhance their homes. One study shows that 79 percent of all respondents state they have at least one area rug inside their home.

Is carpet the right choice for your home?

Top reasons people are installing carpet

Chances are you already have a deep-rooted feeling about carpet. Maybe it brings back memories of childhood. Or maybe you picture softness and warmth.

It doesn’t take much time shopping to realize there is an abundance of carpet choices on the market today. This isn’t your mother’s – or grandmother’s – carpet choices. Today’s carpets are better than ever, and offer you benefits that stand out over other flooring.

Need a reason to add carpeting to your home?

Carpet offers warmth and insulation – if you already have a cold room, carpet will add warmth underfoot. The padding underneath adds an additional layer to help fully insulate your home.

Carpet provides sound reduction – this can be especially important in a home with multiple layers and lots of heavy foot traffic. Carpet will muffle every step you take, and will help hold the sound inside the walls of the room it’s installed in.

Carpet provides safety – this can be especially important in a home with elderly or small children. You’ll never slip on carpet, and it provides extra padding if you do.

Carpet provides limitless possibilities – because carpet is in abundance, you will find any color or pattern you’re looking for. It’s a great way to add a pop of color to any space.

Carpet is economical – if you want a low cost flooring option, carpet comes in a full spectrum of pricing options. It’s a great resource to use in rental properties, or in a room where you might be changing the decor frequently.

Still considering carpet? Here are a few modern-day choices you’re going to love

Being in the business, we see the current trends that hit the market every year. Flooring can be a major purchase. That’s why we recommend thinking about your purchase, your goals, and choosing a flooring material you’re ready to live with for the foreseeable future.

While hardwood comes in stains bordering on more natural tones and colors, carpet choices stretch as far as your imagination. Want the brightest red? A vivid green? Plaid, stripes, or animal prints? You’ll find a carpet to suit your desires.

Natural carpet always tops the list, and will never go out of style. What’s fresh and current today is incorporating natural fibers into your carpet choices. Look to fibers like jute, sisal, and seagrass. You’ll create organic aesthetics with a versatility that only natural fibers can bring. Wool is growing in popularity because of its hypoallergenic qualities. If you’re trying to create a cleaner, more natural home space to live in, wool carpet may be the perfect addition to your home.

Of course, staying quiet and subdued isn’t for everyone. Luckily, there’s a carpet choice for you. Boldness is in right now because it adds personality to your living space. Bold prints and colors have been on the rise because of what it has to offer inside a room. Choose your color – red, pink, or blue. Go wild with patterns – how about a paisley print? Somewhat reminiscent of the 70s, you’ll find bold designs that can pack a punch into any room in your home. If you want a bedroom that screams personality, or an office that speaks directly to your mood, this is an easy way to do it.

Patterns are even bigger than before. Thanks to modern technology, carpet no longer is about uniformity, one color, pattern, or style. Instead, you’ll find bolder designs that can set the stage for your room design. We’re wild about flower patterns, geometric shapes, and colors that river their way through the entire design.

Spend some time looking through online resources – Pinterest can be your best friend when it comes to finding new design ideas. You might be surprised at the ideas you come up with, and the concepts you pin to your board.

Don’t be afraid to stretch a little and create a space different from what you expected. Sometimes the best way to personalize your space is to go bold with your choices.

Carpet is the best place to start when bringing color into a room. It sets the tone and anchors the aesthetics into place.

Use it to set the stage for the rest of the items in your room. Go bold. Stay soft. Or get wild and crazy … the choice is yours!

Is carpet in style right now? You bet! With today’s carpet choices, you can create any design you can dream of.

So start dreaming today!

The post Is Carpet Coming Back In Style? first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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Laminate or Hardwood

When trying to decide between laminate or hardwood, there are some key factors to consider. Upkeep, the climate in the room, household patterns, and most importantly, budget, are the main topics The Carpet Guys will cover in this blog.  Read on to find out more.

Household Patterns

laminate floor board selection in showroom

When a Carpet Guys Design Consultant comes to your home for your Free In-Home Estimate, they will ask questions about your household needs.  Do you have children or pets?  Does the room that needs new flooring get a lot of foot traffic?  What flooring type is currently in the home?  What room will the flooring be installed in?  These are all factors that need to be discussed to assess the best choice for your home.  It is best to have a flooring professional help make this decision.  They can help explain the pros and cons of each flooring type based on your household style of living.

No two homes are alike so neither laminate nor hardwood would be a clear winner in this category. It would depend on the individual needs of the home.

Climate in the Room

While discerning the household’s needs, a good salesperson will also discuss the climate in the room. If your home is in a climate with expansive temperature changes or high humidity levels, then a high-quality laminate would be a clear winner. Areas in northern or Midwest America can have huge temperature changes within a single day.  These adjustments cause the hardwood to expand and contract. Over time, these shifts create gapping and warping. Equally, are the damages to hardwood from excessive moisture.  Kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, and any room below the grade of the home are not recommended for hardwood.  Today’s high-quality laminates even boast water resistance which no hardwood can do.

In this category, laminate comes out ahead.

Cleaning Laminate or Hardwood

water and dust mop on hardwood floor

When it comes to the upkeep of hard surface flooring, they are all created equal. A dust mop is the easiest daily cleaner. For any liquid spills, they should be cleaned up immediately and dried with a dry clean towel. Do not allow water or other liquids to sit on laminate or hardwood. Even though there are waterproof high-quality laminates, the core is made of wood fiber and can still be damaged from standing water.

For long-term care, laminate wins the category again.  Being a naturally scratch-resistant surface, it beats hardwood for durability. The protective surface of the laminate also protects it from fading in sunlight. While hardwood will lighten over time if not protected.  Though you can refinish the surface of hardwood, it is very expensive and can only be done a few times before needing replacement.  Whereas laminate boards can be replaced whenever needed.

Cost of Laminate or Hardwood

This brings us to the cost of each product.  Hardwood runs approximately $8-$15 per square foot. Unfortunately, the cost of wood is going up exponentially with rising inflation costs. Whereas laminate costs roughly $2-$5 per square foot. Also, the cost of installation for hardwood requires an experienced and knowledgeable installer. If it is not installed properly, the temperamental material will have problems after installation.  Laminate has a straightforward click-and-lock method for installation and is even the preferred flooring for DIY’ers.  When the product has seen wear-and-tear, it can be almost as much to sand and resurface hardwood.  Laminate boards can be replaced and at their low cost, are easy to keep looking new.

Laminate is a clear winner for the cost of the product, installation, and even long-term. Even when it comes to the resale value of the home, realtors are looking at ANY hard surface being an advantage over carpet or sheet vinyl. So, hardwood may not carry the weight much more than laminate would.

No matter which flooring surface is selected, laminate or hardwood, The Carpet Guys have the best installers and products in the industry.  Call 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) to set up your free estimate.  Or go to our schedule page and set up an appointment with one of our friendly Design Consultants.  We can help you decide which high-quality laminate to choose from.

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Winter weather: Don’t let snow and slush shorten the life of your carpet

Would you invite the Abominable Snowman or the carrot-nosed Olaf from the cartoon Frozen into your house for tea? Likely not. They’d make big messes on your floor.

When you come into your house from the driveway in the winter, you may not be as chaotic as Olaf, but your shoes and boots will track water, slush and grit onto your floors or carpets.

Protect your fibers

The fibers in your carpet are sensitive. Salt, water and dirt from shoes get ground into carpet, especially during the winter months. As the water dries, chemicals from road treatment solutions can rise to the top and cause staining.2 In turn, sand and grit can fall down into your carpet and degrade your carpet fibers. If this goes on long enough, those fibers can be permanently stained. The backing that holds your carpet together can also be affected.1

What can you do?

That ounce of prevention

Well, first, it’s best to contain that mess before it starts. Ask your family and friends to take off their boots and shoes before they enter the house. Put a boot tray outside your most-used door to keep everything organized.

That pet paw solution

The weather recently got so cold in Colorado that many dog owners protected their pets’ paws with strap-on booties. While you may remove your dog’s booties before they come back indoors, you may not think to wipe off their feet every time they come in from the yard. Place towels by the door and make drying your pets’ paws a regular habit.

That vacuuming routine

In 2013, Electrolux (a major household appliance brand) conducted a global vacuuming survey. They asked 28,000 people from 23 countries how they felt about vacuuming.3 The company discovered several interesting tidbits:

  • Koreans vacuum more often than anyone in the world; 29% vacuum at least once a day.
  • Most people worldwide vacuum for less than an hour at a stretch.
  • Thirty-eight percent of respondents vacuum in the morning; vacuuming in the evening is rare.
  • Sixty-eight percent of respondents vacuum in casual outfits, 21% wear a track suit and 4% wear only their underwear. (If you must know, 2% reported vacuuming in their birthday suits.)
  • Of the 18-30 year-old surveyed, 51% listen to music while vacuuming and 6% even dance, listen and vacuum at the same time.

Whatever your habits while dragging your Dyson or Hoover across the floor, your carpet will stay younger longer if you vacuum regularly. You don’t need to vacuum several times a day (11% of Koreans surveyed do), but once a week will keep your house fresher and your carpet newer longer.

That carpet cleaning schedule

As careful as we try to be, our carpets still take a beating in the winter. The family cat might break away before you can clean her paws. Your toddler might squirm out of your arms and run across the carpet in his snow boots. You might knock your hot cocoa over with your elbow while solving the latest Wordle puzzle in front of the fire.

A professional carpet cleaner can help you treat stains quickly with the right solution that won’t damage your carpets and area rugs. Regular professional cleaning (every 12 to 18 months) with high-temperature, truck-mounted steam cleaning equipment can lift grit from your carpets to prevent fiber staining. After the cleaning, your professional carpet cleaner can then apply a new coat of protectant to your carpet.

Your partners in clean

At A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning, we can help you keep your carpets fresh all year long. We are happy to answer any carpeting questions you might have and give you a free, written estimate without cost or obligation. Contact us at 720.344.2870 or use our online form to schedule a free consultation.

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