Month: May 2022

Do you want a completely FREE estimate for flooring? The Carpet Guys were founded on the principle that no one should have to pay for an estimate. Joe Zago decided as a fledgling entrepreneur to never charge for estimates or exceptional service. Read on to learn more.

Who gets a Free Estimate?

Everyone! You don’t have to spend a certain amount to get it. As a matter of fact, you don’t have to spend ANY money at all.  We will send a professional Design Consultant to your home. They will bring our Showroom of samples with them. Our experienced Design Consultants have all the knowledge they need to help you decide what type of flooring would be best in your home and with your budget. No obligation to buy. Many big box companies wait until the contract is being written to share hidden costs. Their online pricing doesn’t match the total paid.  Some other flooring companies say it’s a free estimate and they will refund the cost AFTER installation.

What comes with a Free Estimate?

Our most powerful asset is our amazing Design Consultants and Installation Contractors. Both teams want you to purchase with confidence and information.  If you’re doing a large remodeling project, our Design Consultant can work within the scope of the plan to get all the necessary components on the estimate. They can let you know if your floor needs leveling. We know what is needed for your floor rip-up. Even, what furniture needs to be moved, and more! If the kitchen floor needs replacement, and you aren’t sure what type of flooring would be best, we can help. We carry the best American manufactured products in carpet, hardwood, engineered hardwood, laminate, sheet vinyl, and luxury vinyl plank or tiles.

When is the Free Estimate?

We have residential appointments available every day of the week and on weekends for an in-house estimate. If you need a morning or evening appointment, we have those too. We will work around your schedule.

Where to get this Estimate?

In the comfort of your home is where you get your free estimate. If you are moving into a new home, we will be there too. We will do all the necessary measurements for you. Our Design Consultants will bring all the tools to give the best price for any flooring service needed. We have consultants near you all over Southeast Michigan. So, we can be at your door and give you an estimate in any weather conditions.

Why get an Estimate?

Why not? If it’s free, there’s no reason not to call today. Don’t forget to ask about all our other inclusive items. We offer Free Furniture Move, Free Installation Warranty, or our Free Referral program. The referral program pays you to tell friends about your wonderful experiences. Need a Free Square Foot Calculator? Check out ours at www.carpetguys.com/calculator/. At The Carpet Guys, we have friendly schedulers standing by to help you at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) if you want to talk to a person. You can also schedule online at www.carpetguys.com/schedule

Some other things The Carpet Guys recommend that are FREE:

After the flooring is installed, will you need a free estimate for painting?

1-800-PAINTERS

Have foundation issues or water damage and need a free estimate for repair work?

Basement Waterproofing of Michigan

The post Free Estimate appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

Home improvement projects can be expensive. Even simple tasks can become overwhelming when you see costs grow right before your eyes.

The average cost of new flooring today can range anywhere from $3 to $22 or more per square foot. That adds up to thousands of dollars, depending on the size of your room and the flooring choice you make.

How do you ensure you don’t have buyer’s remorse from the moment it’s installed?

Buying new flooring is a big decision. Even if you have a flooring type in mind, it’s best to head to your flooring dealer with a few questions in mind, to ensure you select a product best suited for your lifestyle.

As flooring consultants, we love helping homeowners select flooring they’ll love for years to come. When we advise flooring clients, we ensure they’ve thought about these questions and more.

Is this the right flooring product for my lifestyle?

We can’t tell you how often homeowners have come in with a particular product in mind, only to install something they’d never considered before. That’s because it’s easy to fall in love with a floor when you view it online or in home improvement magazines, only to discover it would be a disaster inside your own home.

If you have a busy household with kids and pets, a white carpet probably isn’t on your list. Yet there are different flooring choices that might be better suited to your busy lifestyle.

Before we even get into looking at flooring choices, we like to gain a better understanding of what a home is like. Where will you be placing the new flooring – kitchen, living space, or bedroom? We also ask questions about an average day in the room you’ll be replacing. Take a kitchen as an example. Do you use it simply to warm up leftovers? Or are you in there morning, noon, and night, whipping up creations to present to family and friends? Messes are commonplace, and you wouldn’t have it any other way.

Flooring type doesn’t necessarily determine final looks. With today’s flooring products, even if you love hardwood yet know it wouldn’t handle well in your home, there are other products that can satisfy all of your needs and desires. How about luxury vinyl planks? Or tile that takes on a hardwood appearance?

Instead of coming in with specifics in mind, sometimes an open mind will lead to a better product that will be perfect for all of your family’s needs.

What are the hidden costs?

Have you seen the ads on television that promise to install new flooring into a room for a very low price? Something inside tells you it’s too good to be true.

It is.

These companies market to bring you in with a low price. But once they meet you in your home, they start adding on additional costs. And depending on how far along you are in the process, it can be a little unnerving to see just how high the final price grows.

Before you say “yes” to anything, it’s important to understand all of your costs first. That includes the cost for the flooring product, installation fees, underlayment charges, delivery charges, discarding old flooring materials, and any other handiwork needed to install your final flooring product.

You can ask this question in different ways:

• What other costs may be charged during the entire process?
• What unexpected items may be added to my final bill?
• What isn’t included in the cost listed here?

You can also use these questions to get a better understanding of the ethics of the flooring consultant you’re talking to. A reputable company will give you complete answers and bring up concepts you may not have thought about. If they are hiding something, you’ll feel it as you dive deeper into asking questions.

Trust your gut when buying new flooring – you’ll know if you’re working with a reputable company after spending even a little time with them.

What about warranties and guarantees?

A lot of places with prices “too good to be true” won’t stand behind the work they do.

New flooring products come with warranties from the manufacturer. This protects you from any defect within the product itself.

Reputable flooring retailers will also stand behind the products they sell and install. They want to make sure you’re happy with your flooring and the way it’s installed.

Get all warranties and guarantees in writing, and ask questions if you don’t understand. This is the best way to stay protected in the weeks and months to come.

What about the installation process?

Did you know hardwood floors need time to acclimate to your home before installation? That adds time to the full installation process.

Or did you know that some flooring choices are better suited with different types of subflooring? If you have a concrete subfloor, that can influence the final product you install.

Because you don’t install new flooring regularly, you might not understand the full installation process. If you have certain expectations about how fast the installation occurs, this can impact what product you select.

A reputable dealer will be able to walk you through the entire process, so you understand it from beginning to end. This also gives you a chance to ask about additional costs if something pops up along the way.

What about maintenance?

We find a lot of people ask questions about products and installation, but forget to ask about maintenance for the years to come. This can shorten the life of your flooring product, or even null and void the warranty.

Different manufacturers require different maintenance items to keep the product in good condition. For instance, some manufacturers have specific cleaning processes for daily maintenance as well as deep cleaning. Knowing this ahead of time can ensure you keep the proper tools on hand, and aren’t tempted to grab cleaning solutions that might harm the floors.

Is new flooring in your future? 

If you’re in the process of buying new flooring, focus on what questions to ask before you settle on a product.

The more you know about the flooring you choose, the happier you’ll be once it’s installed.

How can we help you find the right flooring for you?

The post Here Are The Questions To Ask A Flooring Consultant Before Buying New Flooring first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

Hardwood floors are eye-catching, timeless, and can improve the value of your home. If you currently have carpet, but you’re interested in making the switch to hardwood, you may have some concerns. One of those concerns is probably cost. If you want to know if updating carpet floors to hardwood is expensive, keep reading.

There are endless perks to having hardwood flooring in your home. For one, it improves the value of your space. If you plan on selling your home any time soon, adding hardwood floors to your home can allow you to sell your home for more money. This means installing hardwood can basically pay for itself. Additionally, hardwood flooring is longer-lasting. Unlike carpet, hardwood takes a lot longer to wear down. Hardwood flooring can last for generations in a home, making it a worthwhile investment that can benefit your family and families to come for years.

Carpet may feel nice on your feet, but it’s difficult to clean. If you have pets or children, you may struggle to keep up with maintaining your carpet. This can lead to mold, mildew, dust, allergens, and dirt collecting on your floor. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it’s also unhealthy.

The average cost to remove carpet from space is between $0.11 and $0.22 per square foot or $1 to $2 per square yard. Let’s say you want to remove the carpet in your 330-square foot living room. That would cost between $37 and $73. However, you can actually remove the carpet on your own without the help of a professional. Just be sure to do your research beforehand to avoid causing any damage to your floor.

Once the carpet is removed, it’s time to install hardwood. Installing hardwood costs, on average, between $6 and $12 per square foot. This price depends on a variety of factors including the subfloor type, the hardwood material, the location of the flooring, and so on.

Overall, removing carpet and installing hardwood flooring is an investment, but it’s a doable purchase that is worth every penny. To discover affordable and high-quality hardwood flooring options for your space, shop with Flooring.org. You can browse our inventory online and call us at 1-800-689-9006 with any questions. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

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

You may sit on your furniture every day and not really think about what it goes through. 

What if you were a couch or perhaps an easy chair? Put yourself in its, ah… armrests.

Did you imagine, for just one moment, what a day-in-the-life of a couch might be like?

Did you picture coffee spills, splattered yoghurt, popcorn showers, or puppy drool? Your upholstery is regularly subject to all of that and worse if you have a busy life and an energetic family. 

Summer pool parties, graduations, and birthday celebrations or that first backyard cookout to test grandpa’s secret Texas barbecue sauce: Each event brings friends, family members and a new onslaught of wear and tear to chairs, ottomans and couches.

Pick up the Hoover

As the first line of defense, we’ll remind you of an old adage: A vacuuming pass makes upholstery last! 

Don’t remember that saying? Well, honestly that’s because we just made it up. 

But, it is true. Vacuuming your chairs and couches keeps food and grit from being ground into the upholstery fibers. Consider vacuuming weekly or as often as your schedule allows.

You can also remove dust and dirt from upholstered surfaces with a soft-bristled brush.

When possible, consider turning and rotating your cushions to give the fabric a break as well.

Treat that spill

When they come from the factory, many upholstered furniture pieces have a protective coating. However, such protectants will only delay spills from being absorbed into your furniture, they don’t mean a spill will bounce off the couch like Elastigirl.

If your overexcited teenager or enthusiastic friend flings soda, tea or chili all over your sectional sofa, it’s important to clean it up immediately. Blot the spill gently with a clean, folded towel. The blotting may help you remove the spill completely, if you do it quickly enough.

Before spills happen, it’s good to check your furniture manufacturer’s care instructions. Do you need to use a water or a solvent based cleaner for stubborn stains? Many times, a mild cleaning product (test it first) can be applied in a circular motion with a soft brush to remove a spill. Vacuum the area when it is completely dry.

If you need help, call your local carpet cleaning professional in Denver, Parker or Littleton.

Schedule a steam cleaning

Next, consider refreshing your furniture with a deep, professional upholstery cleaning. Truck-mounted steam cleaning can be like a face-lift for your furniture. Regular steam cleaning is just as important as consistent vacuuming. Upholstery cleaning with a truck-mounted steam cleaning system:

1. Helps restore dulled colors to their original luster and resurrects flattened textures. 
2. Can eliminate odors from guests or pets who use couches or loveseats for sleeping.
3. Aids in removing dust, dirt and germs trapped deep in your upholstery fibers.

According to Statista.com, consumers spent $114.5 billion on bedding and furniture in 2019! Quite clearly, we invest so much in our homes because they are important to us.

How important? In an April 2012 article “Why Our Homes Make Us Happy,” U.S. News and World Report said, “Humans, however, add layers of significance to home and place. Physical places endure while memories and people fade, so homes and neighborhoods become ‘memory machines’ that help us keep alive some of the strongest sources of what has given our lives meaning, well-being, and happiness.”

It may seem dramatic to say your upholstery can affect how much you enjoy life, but it seems a clean, well-maintained home can make you, your guests and your loved ones feel better now and far into the future.

Reach out to APT

A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning’s technicians are thoroughly trained to care for many upholstery varieties.  Whether you live in Denver, Parker and Littleton, we can help you with your professional upholstery cleaning needs. Reach out before birthdays, reunions, anniversaries, or if your house needs a good sprucing up. 

We are happy to answer any upholstery cleaning questions, or to 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.

The post Bring Joy to Your Home with Professional Upholstery Cleaning appeared first on A Personal Touch.

Chevron are parquet are both very different styles of flooring that often get confused. Both are popular options and offer a distinct looking floor. To get a better idea of the differences between to two, we have explained them both detail below. Read More

If you’re building a new house, it might make sense to install the same flooring throughout the home.

Remodeling is different.

It can be expensive replacing all of the flooring inside your home. So most homeowners select one room or region at a time. Replace the main floor living space as you update a kitchen. Or replace the flooring in the entire master suite as you upgrade.

That’s when the questions start. Is it okay to mix light and dark floors? Can you combine different materials and styles? How many kinds of flooring are acceptable inside a home?

Using the same flooring throughout a home creates a sense of conformity. It provides peace and cohesion as you move from room to room.

But that isn’t practical. Would you really want carpet in a kitchen?

So what do you do? Can you mix light and dark floors?

Hard flooring surfaces

When you start looking at flooring, you’ll discover a wide array of materials available for consideration. Hardwood. Engineered wood. Laminate. Luxury vinyl planks. Tile.

When you move into each type of material, the possibilities continue to grow. Oak or walnut? Light or dark? Hard or soft?

People love hard flooring, especially in main living spaces. They’re durable. They’re easy to maintain.

If you’re remodeling your kitchen, for example, and you already have hardwood in your living space, what’s the best strategy for adding new flooring?

Don’t match. Compliment instead. It’s only natural to want to create clean lines throughout the main living space. But trying to match will typically create a line that doesn’t seem quite right. And if you do get the same color as other flooring, cabinets, and furniture, it can blend in and give you a monochromatic look. It comes off looking rather bland, and it can be harder to bring back pizzazz.

At the same time, don’t go overboard on colors. If everything is a different color, it may appear chaotic and messy. Start with a theme. Then ensure everything you select fits nicely into that theme, creating an ambiance you can live with for years to come.

Soft flooring surfaces

Every flooring material has merits in different rooms in your home. Tile and hardwood work well in a kitchen. Carpet works well in a bedroom.

While carpeting has lost some of its luster from a few decades ago, it’s still a great choice for bedrooms and other rooms where you’re looking at creating warmth.

A thick, plush carpet can be a welcome relief on your toes when you hop out of bed on a cold winter morning. It can be a sound barrier when installed in a media room. Kids will love it when they’re lying on the ground, playing with their toys. It can add richness to a home office, and be just the environment you need as you’re on Zoom and meeting clients.

If you’re installing carpet and you’re not sure what color to choose, we suggest keeping it neutral. Beiges and grays give a room just the right amount of ambiance to let your decorating style shine through. It gives you a chance to play with colors in other decor features that are more easily switched out.

Can you go with wilder colors? Of course. Only you know what’s right for you, and what you’re willing to live with for years to come. We suggest that you stick with a theme or color palette as you move from room to room. Don’t install a different color in every bedroom, and mix and match other materials in hallways and community living spaces.

Light or dark? What do you do?

Lighter colors will give your room a more open feeling. If you have smaller, more defined space, lighter colors can make it appear larger. Light-colored floors will brighten an area and bring attention to the details of the room.

Dark finishes make a space feel more intimate and homey. If you have ample space and you want clear definition, dark colors can instantly bring a comfort level to any room you’re designing. With the right accents and lighting, it can give your home a sense of sophistication.

If you have a room filled with natural light, a dark floor will work well. For your north-facing rooms, and rooms with a smaller, darker feel, sticking with lighter tones will allow the room to open up.

The key is to have fun with your space, and make it as unique as you. While you can research what the design community offers as guidelines, in the end, this is all about you. Whatever you choose will work well if you plan and think about flow.

Transitions are important

Once you’ve decided on what flooring to install, the next thing to consider is how each room will fit together. Luckily, manufacturers build transitions to make flow a little easier.

The easiest way is to install the same flooring throughout your living space. Install it and forget it. It keeps the flow moving from one side of your home to the other.

If that’s not possible, be sure the two floors coming together have complimentary undertones. You wouldn’t put a gray-toned hardwood next to a yellow-toned laminate. The two should blend together well and appear cohesive.

Remember the rule of two. While you might find a dozen flooring materials that pique your interest, narrow it down to the two that are most functional for your lifestyle. Then use those two throughout your home. This is even more important if you can see both flooring materials in the open spaces of your home.

Make each transition at a place that makes sense. Doorways work well because it creates a natural breaking point.

What are your preferred flooring materials?

Can you mix light and dark flooring colors, different materials, and create separate spaces? Of course?

With just a little planning, you’ll create the perfect ambiance and durability to match your lifestyle and taste.

Need a little help? That’s why we’re here. Give us a call today and we’ll be happy to answer all of your flooring design questions.

The post Can You Mix Light and Dark Floors Throughout Your Home? first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

Every year on the last Monday in May, Americans gather together at parades, festivals, and family parties to honor our military heroes who selflessly gave their lives in the line of duty on Memorial Day.

The tradition of Memorial Day remembrance is one that is near and dear to our hearts and roots as a country, but we’re willing to bet that there are some interesting things you may not know about this special occasion.

In light of that, here are six cool Memorial Day facts you may not know to read through the weekend.

#1 – Ancient Roots

Traditions of remembrance for fallen heroes dates back to the time of ancient Greeks and Romans. Each year, graves of loved ones were adorned with flowers, and festivals were held to honor the dead. Similar events were also done in Athens with one of the first known celebrations held to honor Pericles, a strong Athenian general. The first Memorial Day in America began in the 19th century.

#2 – Let Freedom Ring

One of the earliest documented ceremonies was held by over 1,000 freed slaves on May 1st, 1865. Groups of troops, such as the 54th Infantry, joined the newly freed men and sang hymns while distributing flowers among the tombstones in the cemetery. This event occurred near the end of the Civil War.

#3 – Start Decorating

Before Memorial Day was actually called Memorial Day, General John A. Logan first issued a decree that today would be dubbed “Decoration Day”. Early Americans received this notion well, and ceremonies took place in more than 27 states within the first year.

#4 – From Decoration to Memorial

Even though the term Memorial Day started gaining traction in 1880, it wasn’t until the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 finalized the new celebration date and name. There was a ton of controversy that surrounded the changes for quite a few years from many groups, but as we can see, that settled.

#5 – Birthplace Claims

Believe it or not, there is a lot of rivalry surrounding the topic of who celebrated Memorial Day first:

• Boalsburg, Pennsylvania – 1864
• Carbondale, Illinois – 1866
• Mississippi vs. Georgia – Decades of Battles

Only one town has federal recognition to back up its birthplace claim, and that is Waterloo, New York. They have the official U.S. Government seal of approval for their 1966 celebration.

#6 – Traditions Remain

Although more and more people are happy to celebrate Memorial’s Day as an annual summer activity, there are many traditions that have remained strong through time:

• Our flag is hung at half-staff until noon, and then raised to the top
• Americans pause at 3 p.m. for a National Moment of Remembrance
• The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated on Memorial Day and remains an important symbol

From The Carpet Guys family to all of you, we wish you a happy Memorial Day. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom, and thank you to the families of those brave souls. If you’re interested in checking out our best Memorial Day deals, click HERE!

The post 6 Interesting Facts about Memorial Day appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

Looking for a healthy flooring option for your home? Want to improve your indoor air quality? All paths lead to hardwood floors.

Hardwood flooring is a good choice when you’re ready to bring timeless beauty, warmth, and elegance to any room in your home. It’s also a great choice if you want eco-friendly and allergy-friendly flooring.

Unlike other choices, hardwood floors don’t harbor dirt, pollutants, or contaminants. But there is an art in selecting the right hardwood flooring options.

What is an allergy?

Allergies are fairly common in the US. Around 50 million people in the US alone experience allergies each year.

An allergy is caused by an immune system reaction to a foreign substance called an allergen. Allergens take on all forms. You can have a response to something you eat, touch, inject, or inhale. The impact can include sneezing, a runny nose, scratchy throat, hives, or rashes. In severe cases, it can lower blood pressure, cause asthma attacks, or even death if not treated quickly.

How hardwood floors play a part in indoor air quality

When most people think about air quality, they think about things that directly impact the air supply. If you light a candle, the fumes penetrate the air you breathe. If you spray a chemical cleaner to wipe down a table, the spray enters the air supply.

Your air supply is controlled by your HVAC system. Every time the furnace or air conditioner turns on, conditioned air flows through the ventilation system, and out into each room in your home. It can pick up anything else nearby, such as the candle scent or chemical spray.

Yet indoor air quality goes deeper than what’s freely moving around your home. It’s also what’s introduced in other ways.

Like your flooring.

Indoor air quality can be impacted by everything about your flooring. What it’s made of. The adhesives used for installation. The finishes applied once it’s in place.

What are VOCs?

You can’t talk about healthy flooring without a discussion on VOCs.

VOC stands for volatile organic compounds. According to the EPA, VOCs are compounds that have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility. They are emitted as gasses from certain liquids or solids, and include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have adverse health effects.

In total, around 1200 VOCs have been identified. And many of them are used in the products and materials we use every day.

• Acetone
• Acetic acid
• Butanal
• Ethanol
• Alcohol
• Formaldehyde
• Dichloromethane

VOCs are a part of life. They are in common substances such as paint, cleaning products, and cigarette smoke. They are in our building materials and the furniture we use in our homes.

Awareness is prevention. It’s what allows you to make better choices as a consumer.

The most common VOCs in a home

Inside homes across the Front Range, you’ll find three of the most toxic VOCs lurking in things you use every day:

Formaldehyde – there are two types of formaldehyde: phenol and urea. Phenol is non-toxic, and is often used in cabinetry, marine-grade plywood, and high-end furniture. Urea is one of the most toxic VOCs, and is used in all kinds of building materials, including paneling, flooring, and other household furnishings. You can reduce exposure by sealing all exposed surfaces.

Benzene – it’s a common chemical found in tobacco smoke, stored fuels, paint, solvents, and emissions from your cars. Refinishing a floor can produce high amounts of benzene.

Methylene chloride – this is present in things like paint strippers, adhesives, and aerosol spray paints and finishes. The human body converts methylene chloride to carbon monoxide, which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning when heavy concentrations are present.

When you know these are present, you can take appropriate action to reduce their impact. For instance, you can use aerosol spray paints outside and with a face mask firmly in place to reduce their impact.

The trouble comes when you aren’t aware of their presence, as became apparent in a 2015 report where Lumber Liquidators were caught selling Chinese-made laminate flooring that contained high levels of formaldehyde.

Hardwood flooring can improve indoor air quality

If you want to find flooring safe for your family, low in VOCs, and a healthier option for installing in your home, hardwood is a great choice.

But to find the best product for your home, you’ll have to do a little investigation.

Natural wood flooring will be one of your safest options. But you do have to look at the entire production process.

Wood does contain natural terpenes. They are safe, but they do impact highly sensitive people. The scent you get from a pine tree would be an example.

Flooring also contains a variety of chemicals from processing. Pay attention to finishes, glues, baseboards, underlayments, and other production materials made from zero or low VOCs.

You can also find manufacturers that meet guidelines through different certification programs to ensure the production process is safe. Programs include:

• Green Seal’s GS-11 certification
• Greenguard
• Forest Stewardship Council
• California’s Air Resources Board NAF

The top hardwood flooring manufacturers will comply with these regulations and more. You can do your research before you shop, or work with one of our associates to determine the right hardwood product best to suit your needs.

Are you ready to shop for hardwood flooring?

If you want an eco-friendly, green flooring choice that will help your home be the safest place it can be, look no further than hardwood flooring. It’s the first choice for many homeowners because of its classic good looks. Improving indoor air quality is an added benefit.

You’ll love hardwood because it’s:

• A durable option
• It’s natural
• It’s easy to clean and maintain
• It’s highly effective at reducing contaminants
• It doesn’t contain VOCs

How can we help you find hardwood flooring perfect for your home?

The post Yes, Your Hardwood Floors Can Improve Indoor Air Quality first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

When you install new hardwood flooring, you might expect a few changes as you get back to your daily routine. Still, you might not be prepared for the ways in which your new hardwood flooring will change over the years.

• Weather
• Seasons
• Sunlight
• Use
• Color
• Maintenance
• Care

Many things can impact not only its appearance, but also  the way it functions as well.

Hardwood flooring can change color

When most people install hardwood flooring, they gravitate towards adding rugs for both care and aesthetics. What surprises people is when they move the rug a few months later, and the floor underneath is visibly a different color.

Hardwood flooring darkens when exposed to ultraviolet, natural, and infrared light. When these three types of light interact with your hardwood finish, the color gradually changes. The planks receiving a daily blast of light will darken over time. The hardwood covered by rugs or furnishing will remain the color as installed.

How quickly hardwood changes color depends on the species of hardwood installed. Some respond faster to UV radiation and will darken at a faster pace. Red Oak remains a popular choice because it adjusts hue at a slower rate than other wood. Consider this carefully when finalizing which hardwood to install, especially if you have a lot of direct sunlight flowing into your home. Most hardwood will start changing in as little as three weeks, so it’s worth extra consideration before you install.

Hardwood flooring can change with the weather

Sunlight is something all Coloradoans have to think about. The harsh rays don’t go away when fall sets in. Sunshine can stream through your windows throughout the year.

Temperatures and weather patterns also impact wood, but even more discerning are humidity changes.

When a tree is alive and growing, sap deep inside the tree forms columns throughout each branch and the tree trunk, providing nutrients to the tree. Once it’s cut down and processed, those tiny columns remain ingrained in the wood. Those structures allow hardwood planks to expand and contract depending on inside conditions.

Manufacturers recommend hardwood flooring to remain at an inside humidity level between 35 and 55 percent. When temperatures increase and moisture dries up, it can cause shrinkage in the wood structure. When temperatures drop and moisture increases, expansion causes the wood planks to grow.

But it’s not always true that colder temperatures, along with rain or snow, will automatically expand hardwood flooring. Here in Colorado, cold winter days mean your furnace runs more frequently. And if that dries out the inside air supply, it can cause your hardwood flooring to shrink.

Long-term exposure to either can lead to devastating results with the aesthetics of your hardwood flooring. If the planks weren’t adequately acclimated to your home’s environment before installation, that expansion or contraction could start almost immediately after installation.

Caring for your hardwood flooring over time

Head outside in the spring and notice trees popping into life. You can watch them grow and change, budding, offering shade, producing fruit, and finally losing their leaves to hibernate for the winter.

Even after a tree has gone through the manufacturing process and is installed as hardwood planks inside your home, it still morphs and changes depending on the environment around it. That’s why it’s a good idea to be proactive in your maintenance schedule to ensure a long life for your hardwood flooring.

Spring in the Rockies means harsh changes in the weather. You can have 70 degree days with sunlight streaming in, followed by a blizzard later that evening. Tracking in ice and moisture can be hard on hardwood in the entryway, especially if it puddles up and stands in place for any length of time. Leaving a boot tray at the front door can be a handy way to ask people to remove their shoes and avoid the outside from being tracked in.

Summer can bring hot, dry weather to the Front Range, causing your inside environment to become more dehydrated. Invest in a hygrometer to keep you informed about inside humidity levels. If you aren’t running your air conditioner frequently, it’s good to have a humidifier if your inside environment becomes too dry.

Fall can bring the same changes as spring weather. Keep dirt and debris to a minimum as you request shoe removal by the front door. Because you may be using the air conditioner and furnace all on the same day, it’s important to pay attention to humidity levels. Consider using your humidifier to regulate inside levels at all times.

Winter brings added risk by tracking in ice and snow. Running your furnace every day can also cause the inside air to dry out. Homeowners often install whole-house humidifiers to ensure their homes are at a consistent 35 to 55 percent humidity level year-round.

Cleaning your hardwood is an ongoing process. Use a soft broom to keep dust and debris to a minimum. Vacuum once a week to ensure a clean surface. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could penetrate the finish. Never allow cleaning products to sit on the surface and puddle for extended periods of time. Water and moisture are not hardwood flooring’s friends.

Hardwood flooring aging … evenly

Hardwood flooring can be quite an investment, especially if you’re remodeling and changing other parts of your house. Many homeowners install hardwood flooring one room at a time, hoping to create flow-through over time.

This works well for your budget. Yet if this is your strategy, keep in mind that the first room may have shifted in color and texture over time. While the change might be slight, depending on your maintenance schedule, they may be far enough apart to block out the ability to notice the change. It’s still something to be aware of if you have a timeline for installing hardwood flooring over a several year timespan.

Is hardwood flooring right for you? 

Whether you’re considering adding one room of hardwood at a time, or will be adding hardwood flooring throughout your home, being prepared for how it reacts to everyday living will help you enjoy the results even more.

Stop by today and see our complete selection of hardwood flooring. You’ll love the results.

The post How Your Hardwood Flooring Changes Over The Years first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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Who has the best carpet price is the first thing homeowners begin to think about when they want new carpet.

Who wouldn’t look at the price first, right? You don’t want to break your bank solely for carpet. The Carpet Guys have the best prices available on flooring. Read on to learn more.

Who’s got the Best Carpet Price?

Independent flooring businesses usually have the best carpet prices. When doing research, you will often come across articles or conversation threads that suggest never using big box stores.

The reason is, that stores like Home Depot or Lowes often have hidden carpet pricing. The prices for their flooring online often seem too good to be true. You don’t know this until the salesperson is writing up the contract and scheduling the installation that the price isn’t all-inclusive. The online price is ONLY for each square foot of the flooring. It doesn’t include padding, installation, delivery of goods, or floor prep if any is necessary. We also believe it’s important to always support local businesses.

The Carpet Guys Advantages

Getting carpet with The Carpet Guys has its advantages. Our carpet buying power exceeds that of many flooring companies because we have a vast warehouse so we can get bulk pricing. Our prices are also all-inclusive. One price for everything, no matter if you have stairs, transitions needed between flooring styles, or want a pad upgrade. We have the ability to work with your budget and give you what you want.

See for yourself with questions we’re asked on a daily basis.

FAQ and Answers about Carpet Prices

• Q: Do you have cheap carpet I can get installed?

      A: All our affordable carpet prices come from top-quality flooring styles and colors. There’s no need to forego quality for the price.

2. Q: How long does it take to have carpet installed?

       A: Typically, all carpet installations can be done within a 24-72 hour period. This also depends on the carpet you choose to have installed. If it is a special order flooring, it may take longer to receive the flooring.

3. Q: Do you offer financing?

         A: We sure do! Our carpet financing plan is one of the best available. It allows many homeowners to branch out of their “budget comfort zone” because they have some extra leeway. There is also a plan with no interest if it is paid in a certain amount of time. This plan is nice because it allows customers to use someone else’s money for that timeframe.   

4. Q: Do you have good deals on pet-friendly carpeting?

         A: Yes! We have many different pet-friendly carpet styles from esteemed manufacturers. The majority of them are spill-proof and specifically pet and kid-friendly. These select carpets are stain and soil-resistant and fall within many budget price points.

5. Q: Do I have to pay extra for carpet warranty?

         A: Manufacturers provide their own warranties on their flooring. Each warranty is different since it depends on the carpet type. We also offer our own lifetime installation warranty with every installation we do. There is no additional charge for either of these carpet or installation warranties.

6. Q: How can The Carpet Guys give me a better deal than other flooring places?

        A: The Carpet Guys have a trusting and respected relationship with many top flooring manufacturers. This means we can fully stock our warehouse with the latest trends and colors in carpeting. We purchase carpets from American manufacturers so we save on the shipping price too.

7. Q: Can I get a carpet estimate today?

        A: Absolutely! Our carpet and flooring estimates are free and done in-home. We have appointments available every day and even on evenings and weekends. If you would prefer to come to our Showroom, we have that too. Come visit us any day 7 am-8 pm.

The Carpet Guys are Ready to Serve You the Best Price!

Everything we have is because we work hard. Obviously, local companies are more likely to recognize hard-working individuals like you. Additionally, our prices are fair and competitive. Above all, we love and appreciate all our customers! Call today at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) and become a part of our Carpet Guys family!

The post Who Offers the Best Carpet Price? appeared first on The Carpet Guys.