Month: August 2022

Were you aware that hardwood flooring in homes dates back to the 1600s? According to experts, people have used hardwood flooring in their houses since the Baroque Era, between 1625 and 1714. Unsurprisingly, even more than 300 years later, hardwood floors have become a go-to choice for many homeowners.

If you’re considering putting your home on the market or want to add value to your home, you might be interested in what we have to say. Our team at Flooring.org has compiled this list showcasing the top three ways hardwood flooring adds value to your home. So continue reading to learn more.

Although there are many ways that hardwood flooring can add value to your home, we’re going to look at the top three below.

They Increase A Homes Resale Value

When you install hardwood flooring in your home, you are doing far more than simply elevating the look of the rooms in your house. With the installation of hardwood flooring by a reputable company like Flooring.org, you’re increasing your home’s resale value.

Hardwood flooring increases a home’s resale value because many people across various age groups prefer hardwood floors to other types of materials. In fact, most people will pay more for a house that has hardwood flooring already installed.

How much more you will get is difficult to determine as it depends on where in the US your home is, but on average most homebuyers are willing to fork out $2080 more for homes with hardwood floors.

They Make A Home More Attractive

Should you plan on potentially selling your home in the future, installing hardwood flooring will make it more attractive to buyers. Since, as you now know, more people want hardwood floors so they seek out homes with them. This means you will beat the competition that doesn’t have hardwood floors and potentially sell your home much quicker.

With hardwood flooring, you have a much better chance of limiting the time you have to wait for your home to sell once it’s on the market. Best of all, there are numerous hardwood flooring options, so consider them before choosing tiles, carpeting, laminate, or concrete.

They Are Durable

Hardwood floors will stand the test of time, unlike other flooring options, because they are durable and can deal with wear and tear much better than softer flooring materials. Hardwood floors will last between 20 to 30 years when installed professionally. This means that you won’t need to replace them as often, saving you money and time in the long run.

Since other people know that hardwood floors are more durable as well, it immediately makes your home more attractive and ratchets up the value. After all, it’s believed that hardwood flooring typically yields a 75% return on investment.

As you can see, hardwood flooring adds value to your home in many ways. If you’re ready to install hardwood floors and want assistance picking out the hardwood flooring that matches your home best, you can speak with us at Flooring.org. Our team knows everything there is to know about hardwood flooring and is eager to help. To reach us directly, please give us a call at 800-807-4079.

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

The kitchen and living space are places in the home where we spend the most time. It’s no wonder we look for ways to improve it and make it better.

For many homeowners, that involves turning to the great outdoors. It means pushing the boundaries of what we consider to be livable space beyond the walls and into nature.

Of course, some things you can include both indoors and out. Open up the windows to create a larger space. Add a fireplace, a cooktop, and a big screen TV. We’ve found lots of ways to be able to spend more time outdoors.

But if you don’t get your flooring right, you’ll have more work than enjoyment. Maybe that’s why more people turn to ceramic and porcelain tile than any other flooring type.

What is ceramic tile?

Ceramic tile is made from a coarse clay with a small ratio of kaolin clay. It’s fired at lower temperatures than its porcelain counterpart, at no more than 1,650 degrees. It’s softer than porcelain, has good water resistance, and comes in an almost unlimited supply of colors and patterns. Their popularity makes them a mainstay in homes worldwide, being more frequently used in bathrooms. With proper installation and sealing, you’ll find them on floors, shower stalls, even countertops.

What is porcelain tile?

Porcelain tile has an increased water absorption rate over ceramic. It uses a special kaolin clay that is finer and purer than ceramic clay. It has additional additives such as quartz and feldspar for added strength. Porcelain tiles are fired at higher temperatures, usually from 2,200 to 2,500 degrees. This provides a denser, smoother tile that stands up better than ceramic. It’s also what makes it a perfect addition to homes inside and out.

What’s better, ceramic or porcelain?

After reading the descriptions above, it may seem like porcelain tile is your better choice. But the bottom line is: it depends.

When building out outdoor living spaces, the focus is always on design. How will your room be covered from the elements? How much protection will it have from the weather?

Installation is a big deal. This isn’t something you’ll want to take on yourself without expert knowledge. Especially here in Colorado, where we can get extreme temperature variations. It comes down to creating the proper substructure, paying attention to the type of tile, and giving equal thought to grout and sealant as you lay your tiles into place.

Still, tiles work well for all of your design work: countertops, bars, fireplaces, and flooring.

Are porcelain tiles good in freezing conditions?

Even though Colorado’s weather patterns seem to be changing, we generally have a few frigid days each year. Your outdoor living space is only beneficial if it can hold well in all conditions.

Porcelain tile is an excellent product for use in outdoor applications because:

• It has a low water absorption rate, making them stain and weather-resistant. They absorb almost no water, and won’t crack in freezing conditions.
• They are extremely resistant to fading, meaning they’ll keep looking great even in Colorado’s blazing sunlight.
• They are manufactured to withstand high traffic situations. They are one of the most durable flooring materials around.

When you’re designing outdoor living space in such a changing environment, it’s important to go with a high-quality tile, one that will stand up to all Colorado’s environment can dish out. Porcelain tile often meets that requirement because of its:

• Durability – it’s far superior in extreme and high traffic situations
• Versatility – they can be used indoors and out, and are manufactured to weather all kinds of conditions
• Flexibility – they are far easier to use and install than more difficult building materials like concrete
• Maintenance – because of their composition, they are low maintenance and easy to keep clean
• Strength – they stand the test of time against moisture, stains, and even fire resistance

Kitchen and living room tiles – it’s more than what you expected

The kitchen and living space are the areas of the home with the most action. You prepare dinners there. You hang out with friends and family. You throw parties and create memories there.

That’s why many homeowners debate about creating the right ambiance.

People love hardwood, and it works well in so many situations. But if you’re looking for seamless flow-through from indoor to outdoor living, you’ll naturally migrate to tile.

Thanks to an extraordinarily large range of tile options, you’ll find your desired look quickly. And what works well as flooring might compliment what you decide to include on your outdoor fireplace or kitchen.

Not every setting needs to have the same tile. However, complimenting and flow-through are required. This starts by selecting no more than three distinct types of tile, and ensuring they are in the same color range, creating an aesthetically pleasing look.

And the reason so many homeowners are turning to tile is because of the looks you can create.

• Marble
• Stone
• Quartz
• Hardwood
• Onyx
• Concrete
• Metal-look
• Slate

If you have a desire, you’ll find it in ceramic or porcelain tile. It’s created to mimic some of the popular and well-loved flooring materials ever used. Yet because it’s tile, it has the benefit of being durable and easy to care for.

Other things to consider

Tile also guarantees a healthier air supply. That’s because tile is made with non-toxic materials, and does not emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It’s hypoallergenic, hygienic, and are easy to clean. All of those messes you make from creating memories? They’ll be easy to clean.

Furthermore, tile is one of the best materials to lay over radiant heat. Tile is often overlooked here in Colorado as a primary living space flooring choice because it can be cold underfoot.

No more.

With radiant heating, your flooring will be toasty warm on the coldest days of the year. Tile is an excellent heat conductor, which means you’ll create a warmer living space while enjoying energy savings too.

Is ceramic or porcelain tile in your future?

If you’re expanding your kitchen and living space from indoors outside, take a look at ceramic and porcelain tile to create a sophisticated look.

https://pro-flooring.com/using-the-perfect-tile-for-every-room-in-your-home/

There’s nothing more beautiful and functional as tile for flooring, fireplaces, kitchen layouts, and even pool space.

How can we help you find your ideal look?

The post Ceramic and Porcelain Tile For Your Outdoor Kitchen and Living Space first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

Homeowners usually make a flooring purchase for one of two reasons:

1. They remodel their homes and need new flooring out of necessity.

2. They notice their current flooring is worn out or out of date.

That’s when the process begins, and homeowners start noticing flooring around them.

This is when your flooring research should begin. And how you should go about it may surprise you.

Start with dream boarding flooring choices

When most homeowners are ready for new flooring, they start with definite ideas in mind. They want hardwood. They love carpet. Only dark colors will do.

But your initial ideas might not be your best choices. Because you haven’t looked at flooring in a while, it benefits you to start noticing what’s currently on the market. What’s trending.

We suggest homeowners do this in two ways.

Start by pulling decorating magazines and find what draws in your attention. Rip out pages, start a “vision board,” and see where your ideas lead you.

You can also watch home shows and see the latest trends. What do you fall in love with based on what you’re seeing installed in other homes?

This will lead you online, where you can further your research. Why not create a pinboard on Pinterest, where you can save all of your research? This will help you go back through your ideas, as well as share it with our sales team so we can learn more about your goals and desires.

Go deeper with your research

You want hardwood. You want carpet. You want resilient flooring.

You’ve seen the looks, colors, and styles. Now it’s time to go deeper with your research.

Not all flooring materials are the same.

It’s easy to get sucked in with price when you find a “good deal” at your local big box store. They have one brand, one style, one color. But the price …

There’s a reason it’s such a good deal.

Manufacturers will never sell a high-quality product line at a bargain price. They make exclusive offers they’re willing to sell at lower prices. It’s an entry-product they do to reach a new market.

Is that what you want in your home? In some circumstances, the answer may be: yes. But if this is your “dream home,” settling is never the right answer.

Dig deeper into manufacturing processes

What’s important to you?

• Sustainability
• Eco-friendly
• Resilient
• Carefree maintenance
• Durability
• Water-resistance

What’s available today may surprise you.

As you start your research, you’ll find many organizations that help create strong manufacturing processes, better products for consumers, more ethical products for our environment.

National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) is an international not-for-profit trade association representing all segments of the hardwood flooring industry, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers, installers, importers/exporters, inspectors, and consultants. Their goal is to strengthen the wood flooring community through technical standards, education, networking, and advocacy.

Choosing manufacturers and dealers who subscribe to NWFA helps strengthen the industry, as well as give you some assurances as to the ethical integrity of the company you’re doing business with.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has provided 25 years of experience in sustainable forest management. They use our expertise to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests, bringing together experts from the environmental, economic and social spheres.

They help ensure companies are in compliance with all laws and regulations, maintain satisfactory workers’ rights and employment conditions. They manage forest resources for both environmental and social concerns. They manage all processes from production through disposal.

Of course, these are just two of the many resources available to ensure ethical guidelines within the industry, and educational resources for a better understanding of the products.

Whatever direction you’re heading with your own flooring choices, there is sure to be a wealth of information online about finding the best resources. Just do simple Google searches to find out all you can about the flooring you’re thinking of installing.

What’s the difference between flooring retailers and hardwood stores?

As a consumer, you might find your local hardware store appealing. After all, it’s a one-stop shop based on all of your needs.

When you’re dreaming, it’s easy to head in and get all of your ideas in one place. Visit the paint section, look at lights, find appliances, and settle on flooring.

But as you walk around the aisles, notice the choices presented to you. Want carpet? There’s a handful of options, probably from just a few select manufacturers.

Or maybe tile is more your style. There are several sizes and colors to choose from. Who needs more? More just adds to the confusion.

While that line of thinking may seem right, one big thing these big box stores are missing: customized professional help.

If you ask a sales associate at a local big box store for help, they may be able to offer limited guidance. They have knowledge of the product in the store. They are there just putting in their eight hours. They don’t have a thorough understanding of the flooring industry. They can’t provide a wealth of information that will help you make an informed decision.

That comes from a true professional in the industry. That’s what you get when you enter a professional flooring retailer.

They thoroughly understand how to help you find the flooring best suited for your needs. They have expertise in all types of flooring, and have the experience necessary to help you pick the right flooring for your lifestyle.

They also have a special relationship with the most popular manufacturers in the world. They purchase superior products that give you increased lifespan. They provide more colors to give you even more options.

But don’t think this adds to the confusion. The sales associate knows how difficult this choice can be, and is ready with questions to make the process seamless.

And let’s talk cost. Think you’re saving money at the big box store? You’ll be surprised at the comparison. Big box stores often have inferior products, meaning you’ll need flooring replacement a lot sooner than you would with a higher-quality product.

Still convinced a quick choice is the best choice?

Before you make your decision, how about stopping by and looking at our wide selection? No pressure. Just good advice. You’ll be able to see the difference.

And we’ll help you make an informed decision. Find flooring perfect for your situation.

The post Why Your Flooring Purchase Should Start With A Little Research first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

As we’ve mentioned before on the blog, professional carpet cleaning should be done at least once a year. It not only keeps your carpet fresh and clean, but it also extends the life of your carpet. But what can you do the other 364 days of the year to keep your carpets in tip-top shape? Here are a few tips on how to maintain your carpet between professional cleanings.

Leave your shoes at the door

Your shoes track a lot of dirt, mud, pollen, and other grime into your house and onto your carpets, often getting ground in and trapped in the carpet fibers. The pollen can cause allergies to flare up, and can even affect those with asthma. The germs, bacteria, and viruses in the mud and dirt can also cause respiratory problems if inhaled.

You can prevent outdoor grime from getting into your carpets by taking off your shoes when you come inside. Step into a pair of slippers – or just walk around in your socks or bare feet – and you’ll be doing a lot to keep your carpets much cleaner (you’ll be keeping your indoor air healthier, too!). The carpet cleaner will wear their shoes in the house during the professional cleaning. 

Don’t forget your furry friends

Humans are not the only ones who track in dirt and mud from outside – our pets, do so, as well. Make sure to wipe off their paws when they come in from outdoors, whether or not it’s been raining or snowing. You’ll be thankful you gave their paws a good wipe-down the next time they get up on the furniture!

Wipe up stains, spills or other accidents immediately

Be sure to clean up any stains, spills or other accidents right away – the longer you wait, the much harder it will be to remove any stains that set in. There are a variety of DIY solutions available for simple stains – check out our handy tips for removing stains at home here. 

Note: You should not attempt to clean stains from fragile or antique rugs yourself – these require professional handling.

Vacuum weekly

Another tip for keeping your carpet clean between professional cleanings is to vacuum regularly – at least once a week. And don’t forget to vacuum the upholstery and curtains, as well – dirt, dust, dust mites, viruses and bacteria can hide in the fibers. These contaminants can reduce the quality of the indoor air, possibly resulting in allergy attacks and other respiratory problems in those who are susceptible. We know vacuuming is not a fun job, but it’s necessary to keep your carpets clean!

Following the above carpet cleaning tips will help keep your carpets fresh and beautiful, but it’s not quite enough – don’t forget to get them professionally cleaned at least once a year. Even if they’re not stained or visibly dirty, professional carpet cleaning rids your carpets of any deep-down dirt, germs, and dust mites that can cause health problems and shorten the life of your carpet. If it’s been over a year since you’ve had your carpets professionally cleaned, contact us today, and we’ll get them clean and fresh in no time!

The post Tips to Maintain Your Carpet Between Professional Cleanings appeared first on A Personal Touch.

Have you ever slipped, tripped, or fallen to the ground because of something in your path?

According to the National Safety Council, falling is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death, with over 42,000 people dying in 2020 at home and at work.

While work environments have their own safety rules, if you’re redesigning a room, safety may be a factor. Maybe you’re trying to create an environment where mom has less risk of slipping, or where the surface area reduces the impact of a fall.

Two step process

There are two aspects to creating a living environment that prevents slips and falls.

First, find flooring that reduces the chances of slipping. If you’ve ever walked across a slippery tile and felt your feet slide across the surface, you know how dangerous it can be. Slipping can be a big problem at any point in life, but especially as you age. The risk of injury escalates.

Second, find flooring that softens a fall if it happens. Concrete is a hard surface that can cause damage if you land on it. Carpet provides a soft surface that softens the blow.

Of course, there are many types of flooring in between. The American National Standards Institute has created a Test Method for Measuring Coefficient of Friction of Hard Surface Flooring Materials. It evaluates flooring based on five categories:

• Interior, Dry
• Interior, Wet
• Interior, Wet Plus
• Exterior, Wet
• Oils and Greases

Using these categories as a guide, you can find flooring choices rated effective in whatever room you’re considering. It can help you make smarter choices for the flooring you choose.

Flooring choices to avoid

When you consider the best flooring to install to avoid slips and falls, sometimes it’s easier to start with floors you should avoid. This is especially true if a senior lives alone and help may not be readily available.

The key is to make any surface area as risk-free as possible. That means avoiding tripping hazards that can cause someone to trip. Be especially conscious of transitions between different types of flooring, or as you move from room to room.

Area rugs should be avoided. The height difference could be challenging for some individuals. The material could shift and move as they walk across it.

Hard surfaces can be more challenging when a fall occurs. Concrete has zero give when a person lands on it. Stone tile is similar, with hard surfaces that can cause extensive damage after a fall. Polished stone adds a smoother surface area that can be more conducive to slipping, especially when wet. Ceramic and porcelain tiles look great and have many patterns and styles, but their slippery surface can be dangerous when wet. Wide grout tracks can add unevenness to a floor, and increase susceptibility to tripping.

Carpet makes a great choice

There’s a reason carpet is still a popular choice in homes across the country. It’s one of the best forms of flooring for both avoiding slipping hazards as well as cushioning a fall.

When selecting carpet, the key is selecting the right choice for easy walkability. This isn’t the time to look for a plush shag you can dig your toes into. That can work against shuffling feet, and prevent walkers or wheelchairs from having easy access.

Move to a short pile with a sturdy surface area. Padding is equally important as the carpet itself; it provides a base for keeping the carpet sturdy and in place.

A professional installer will ensure a tight, wrinkle-free material that will give you great wearability for years to come. Be sure to avoid clutter, vacuum regularly to pick up dirt and debris, as well as keeping allergens down to not exacerbate existing health problems.

Cork works well in living space

Cork is growing in popularity because of its functionality and good looks. Unlike stone, tile, or even hardwood, cork has a natural give to it that’s softer to the touch. It makes it easier to stand on for any length of time, and provides a softer surface for both walking and sitting on.

The softer surface area can be a problem with pet nails or hard, sharp objects. Talk with a flooring consultant before deciding on cork if you’re leaning in that direction. They can help you find the right product to suit your needs.

It’s both sustainable and hypoallergenic. Cork comes from the cork tree, and is harvested by removing the bark at maturity. It doesn’t kill the tree, but leaves it to continue reproducing bark to be harvested again.

Cork is also an all natural product that doesn’t collect pollen, mildew, or other contaminants known to increase allergies. It makes an excellent choice for helping to keep a clean home.

Luxury vinyl is a great choice

If you’ve been looking at new flooring for any length of time, it’s hard not to take a second look at luxury vinyl. That’s because manufacturers have taken what people love about other types of flooring such as hardwood and stone, and put it into an amazing product that works well in situations where hardwood and stone don’t.

Luxury vinyl comes in both tile and plank formats designed to look like other flooring choices you love. Luxury vinyl planks mimic hardwood, and come in a multitude of styles, colors, and patterns. Luxury vinyl tiles can look like natural stone, porcelain tile, or even marble or granite.

Yet the surface area is soft and smooth, with a little give as you walk across it. It might not have the same give as cork or even rubber, but it can be a great alternative, and provides a well-rounded option for both aesthetics and functionality.

Luxury vinyl is also budget-friendly, durable, and easy to maintain. You’ll never worry about leaving a mess behind with luxury vinyl in place. Simply wipe it up and you’ll be back to enjoying life.

What’s the right flooring choice for you?

If you’re in the market for new flooring to help reduce slips and falls, any of these choices can make a great addition to your home.

What’s the best choice for you? Stop by and compare them all. We’ll help you choose the perfect flooring material to suit your needs.

The post Select Flooring To Reduce Slips and Falls first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

Open concept. It’s taken on new meaning in recent years as we get more creative in the way we design our space.

Put in a sliding wall of glass, and you’ll suddenly transform what used to be indoor space into something more. Take advantage of the nice weather. Continue with the view. And let your guest list grow as you have even more space than before.

Of course, that also causes a design problem for functionality and flow.

You know you can’t bring hardwood from inside to the outside. What flooring choice do you use?

Indoor-outdoor space

Indoor-outdoor transitional spaces allow you to move freely between indoors and out. They are ideal for areas that have milder weather throughout the year that will enable you to enjoy all that indoor-outdoor living has to offer.

That describes Colorado living perfectly these days, as we’re seeing milder weather well into the fall. With covered patios, outdoor fireplaces, heated floors, and gourmet kitchens, this is a place you’ll use consistently, whether it’s to watch the fireflies play in the backyard, or tailgating before your favorite games.

Transitional spaces don’t need to be entirely open to the outdoors. Many homes use floor-to-ceiling windows and walls of glass to give the appearance of outdoor living. A well designed indoor-outdoor space will:

• Extend the reach beyond the physical limitations of a standard wall
• Create a uniform design and appeal that moves from indoor to outdoor living space
• Allows you to enjoy your outside living space more months of the year
• Incorporates what you love most about nature into your design space

Studies show that a well crafted outdoor living space can add as much as 10 percent to the asking price of your home when it comes to selling. On a million-dollar home, that means a well crafted outdoor living space can add as much as $100,000 to the final asking price.

Are you ready to design your indoor-outdoor space?

Indoor-outdoor tile

With so many positives, it’s no wonder homeowners are making this one of their biggest remodeling projects. Yet before you start enjoying the fireplace, or making your guestlist for the next party, you’ll have to settle on flooring choices.

The most logical choice is a tile floor. But if you’ve ever looked at tile, you know it can seem like there is unlimited potential.

To fully protect your transitional space, the tile needs to accommodate a full array of concerns.

• Withstand heavy use
• Avoid stains and resist spills
• Handle well in all weather conditions without cracking and breaking
• Withstand intense heat under the blazing sun

Colorado’s weather is often extreme, moving to both ends of the spectrum sometimes within hours. Ever experienced snow one moment, only to have it climb and set records a few hours later? That’s Colorado weather.

When looking for the right tile to use both indoors and outdoors, you’ll want:

• Durability – outdoor tiles must withstand freezing temperatures, high heat, ice and snow, as well summer storms.
• Texture – slipping can be a problem if tiles become slippery when wet. Slip-resistance means you’ll have added benefits in all kinds of weather, and it’ll be easier to clean the flooring after a dinner party.
• Unglazed – to withstand freezing temperatures, you’ll want tiles that are frost-resistant and unglazed. This ensures they won’t crack on the coldest days of the year.
• Weather-resistant – we’ve mentioned this several times for a reason. To ensure a fully transitioned flooring from indoors out, it’s important that tiles endure whatever weather Colorado dishes out.

You can easily bring outdoor tiles in. They are already designed for outdoor living. Bringing them in means they’ll function well in all conditions.

The easiest way to accomplish this is by looking at:

Ceramic and porcelain tile

Stroll through the tile section, and you’ll find an array of choices using both porcelain and ceramic. They both can be used for indoor and outdoor use.

The difference is in both composition and manufacturing.

Porcelain tiles are made of a finer, refined clay that is pressed harder and under more pressure, making it denser than ceramic. It is fired at a higher temperature, which makes it stronger and more scratch resistant.

Ceramic tiles are less dense and more porous, and can be glazed for smoothness or left unglazed for a more natural feel.

 

Porcelain is less vulnerable to water and other liquids, but ceramic comes in a wider array of colors and patterns and can be easy on the budget as well as the installation process.

Natural stone tile

Natural stone tile is a beautiful choice for both indoor and outdoor living spaces. With natural stone tile, you can select from:

• Marble
• Travertine
• Granite
• Slate
• Quartz
• Limestone

Natural stone has a slip-resistant surface that gives you, your pets, and your indoor-outdoor furniture traction and stability. Because it’s more durable than other tiles, it won’t fade in the sunlight, or break down or become damaged in harsh weather conditions.

Its classic good looks are something you’ll love everywhere in your home, inside and out. Natural tile has been high on homeowners’ request lists for generations, and with today’s manufacturing process, it will continue to be in high demand for years to come.

How do you choose? 

Selecting the right indoor-outdoor tile can be difficult, especially when there are many styles to choose from. We recommend for our customers to:

Start with your budget – there can be a big price jump between the different types of tile. Understanding your budget helps direct you to the best choice based on your budget and needs.

Consider where they will be installed – take note of daily activities and what your flooring will face year round. Note if the flooring will be covered, how you plan to use your space, and your plans for entertaining. Big groups of people every weekend require more thought than if you and your family are alone every day of the week.

How much light you get – a north-facing patio will receive different elements than a south-facing space. This can help you select color, material, as well as design. If your space rarely has sunlight, you might prefer a lighter color that highlights your surroundings. An area that always has sunlight streaming across might lead you to select one that won’t fade quickly in the summer months.

Your style – personality should always direct your final choice. Make sure you won’t regret it by selecting a flooring that won’t be easy to maintain. Yet when it comes down to style and color, let your heart lead the way.

Having an indoor-outdoor living space is a fun way to add more space to your home. Want to finalize your flooring choice? Stop by today and see our entire selection.

The post Indoor Outdoor Tile – Create The Living Space of Your Dreams first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

Carpets can make a home look beautiful and feel welcoming – after all, who doesn’t love to take their shoes off and let their feet sink into a warm, cozy carpet? If they’re not being kept clean, however, your carpets can make you sick by trapping a variety of contaminants that can lead to allergies and other illnesses.

Contaminants You Can See…

Carpet fibers can trap dirt, mud, pollen and other contaminants from outdoors that can cause allergies. Heavy foot traffic can grind the soil deep into the carpeting, making it extremely difficult to remove no matter how often you vacuum. Pollen can be especially troublesome during certain seasons of the year, and it can trigger asthma symptoms, as well. This is why professional carpet cleaning is a must if you suffer from allergies or asthma!

Moisture is another issue that can cause problems with maintaining a healthy indoor environment. If your carpets get wet and don’t dry quickly enough (or at all), the remaining moisture can cause mold and mildew to grow. Mold and mildew release spores which can be inhaled, often triggering allergic reactions. Symptoms may include excessive coughing and sneezing, or even eye irritation and difficulty in breathing. This is why it’s so important to blot and dry any spills on your carpets – you definitely don’t want mold and mildew to get a foothold!

…And Those You Can’t

Dust mites are also an issue when it comes to keeping your carpeting clean and healthy. What are dust mites, you ask? They are very small (too small to see with the naked eye), insect-like pests that feed on dead human skin cells and prefer warm, humid environments. The protein-based allergens they produce can trigger mild to severe allergic symptoms and can be responsible for asthma attacks.

Dust mite allergens don’t typically stay in the air – instead, they settle within dust or fabrics. Common places for dust mite allergens to hang out include mattresses, bedding, curtains, upholstered furniture – and carpeting. If you’re at all concerned about dust mites, regular carpet cleaning (beyond vacuuming) is a must!

Dust mites aren’t the only contaminants that you can’t see that may be hiding in your carpets – germs, bacteria, and viruses can all become trapped in carpet fibers. Breathe them in, and you could become sick from any number of diseases before you know it!

Eliminate All Kinds of Contaminants from Your Carpets with Professional Cleaning

There’s no doubt about it – if you want to stay healthy, you need to have your carpets professionally cleaned at least once a year, or even more often if you have asthma or other respiratory problems, or are prone to allergies. At A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning Services, we use a powerful truck-mounted steam cleaning system that can rid your carpets of all kinds of dirt, dust, and contaminants. The steam used is heated to 230 degrees Fahrenheit –  hot enough to kill 98% of the germs, bacteria, and viruses hiding in your carpets.

Professional carpet cleaning can make all the difference when it comes to improving indoor air quality. You can literally breathe easier knowing that your carpets are deep-down clean, fresh and free of contaminants. If you’re in the Littleton or Denver area and it’s been more than a year since your carpets were professionally cleaned, call us today – your health depends on it!

Remember at A Personal Touch, we don’t cut corners, we clean them!

The post Are Your Carpets Making You Sick? appeared first on A Personal Touch.

Thinking of remodeling your home? One of the best places to start is with new flooring.

If the thought of selecting a new floor has you a little overwhelmed, we have advice on how to pick the right flooring for every room in your home.

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all flooring choice made to work in every home. That’s why there are so many choices available to you. It depends on a variety of things: your preferences, your budget, and your lifestyle.

Where should you begin before you finalize your selection? How can you ensure you fall in love with your flooring from the moment it’s laid into place?

Consider your lifestyle

It’s easy to fall in love with a look when you watch your favorite home improvement show, or create a dreamboard while surfing online. But in reality, if the flooring that catches your eye doesn’t work with your lifestyle, you’ll have buyer’s remorse almost from the moment it’s installed.

The best place to start when you’re considering new flooring is to ask yourself a few questions first.

• Where will I be installing the new flooring?
• What activities take place in each room?
• Do I have pets?
• How often do I want to clean the floor?
• How often do I want to replace the flooring?

There isn’t a right or wrong answer. Where homeowners run into trouble is by following their hearts instead of looking realistically at their lifestyles. Some flooring choices just aren’t suitable for families with kids and pets. You’ll be worried about the functionality, and constantly be cleaning up messes.

Likewise, if you have a room used by seniors where tripping may be a problem, focusing on smooth surfaces and shock absorption in case of a fall may be more appropriate as you finalize your choices. Hard natural stone would not be an appropriate choice.

Consider future value

This may be your forever home, but studies show that the average duration of homeownership is right at 13 years.

If you look at your flooring choice through the eyes of a home buyer, does your flooring choice make sense?

Here in Colorado, some flooring choices make more sense than others in different rooms in your home. While porcelain tile is often used throughout a home in warm climates, it can feel rather cold in our environment. Hardwood has remained at the top of homeowners’ wish lists because it adds warmth to any room.

While you should remodel and install new furnishings to suit your lifestyle and needs, keeping an eye out for future value can help you make better choices with the flooring you install. A flooring choice may be more expensive, but if you know it can last for decades, and adds resale value too, it might be worth the stretch.

Select based on room function

Every room has different functionality and requires its own unique furnishings. Just like you’d never place a bed in the living room, placing the wrong flooring in a room will create problems from the beginning.

Kitchens should use flooring that allows for safety, cleaning, and high traffic as people cook and move about. Vinyl, tile, and laminate all make good choices.

Living spaces require comfort and style as you spend time there with family and friends. Hardwood is a popular choice, but it isn’t the only one. Laminate, engineered hardwood, and luxury vinyl planks can all bring more functionality while imitating traditional hardwood at the same time. Carpet can bring warmth into the space, and remains ever-popular.

Bedrooms are a space for relaxing and snuggling in, especially during the long winters. Hardwood or laminate can give it an intimate appeal, while carpet adds warmth, especially for those cold mornings. Kids are likely to lay on the floor playing with their toys; carpet can provide added comfort.

Entryways and hallways are high traffic areas that need durable flooring options. Consider tile, which is easy to clean and maintain, and won’t show track marks in a short period of time.

Bathrooms are high humidity areas. This is where resilient flooring works best. Whether you choose vinyl, tile, or luxury vinyl tiles or planks, water-resistance is key.

Let your personality guide you

If we had a dime for every time a homeowner comes into our showroom and says: “I want a bold color, but everyone around me says to stay neutral.”

Neutral flooring is ever-popular when it comes to selecting flooring. Neutral flooring allows you to add pops of color with your wall color and home furnishings. Sometimes it makes sense to stay neutral; after all, it’s one of the biggest investments when you remodel a room.

But that doesn’t make “neutral” the best choice for everyone.

Only you can see your vision of a room. You have to live with it. If you want bold colors, let your personality guide you into the right flooring for you.

Stay consistent

It’s tempting to want to change out different flooring options in every room in your home. With so many colors, styles, and options, why stick with the same? Yet that can create a chopped up appearance, and be an eyesore as you move through the space.

In general, designers follow the “Rule of three.” The rule of three says that you should never use more than three types of flooring material throughout the home. This means you may use hardwood in your living space, carpet in the bedrooms, and tile in the bathrooms. All of it is in the same color hue, and blends well as your eye moves throughout your home.

Look at other items before you settle on a flooring choice, such as lighting, furniture placement, or even natural light from windows. It all can play into how flooring transitions throughout your home.

Longevity

Are you looking for a flooring that will last as long as you own your home? Or do you prefer remodeling every few years, and are more flexible in your design requirements?

Durability may not be a factor if you know you’ll replace it in a few years. You might get more creative with your choices, knowing you’ll replace it as you grow bored with the color or texture.

It can also help you stick within your budget. Would you rather spend more upfront, knowing it’ll last for years? Or do you want an inexpensive flooring option, knowing you’ll replace it sooner rather than later?

What’s the right flooring for your space? 

There isn’t a perfect choice for everyone. When it comes time to pick the right flooring for your home, let your personality be your guide.

With so many options available to you, whatever you choose will be a beautiful addition to your home, one that allows your own unique personality to shine.

How can we help you make the right flooring choice for your home?

The post Here’s How To Pick The Right Flooring For Every Room In Your Home first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

There’s a negative connotation with the term “fake.” Fake means: not genuine, something that is not real, or is an imitation designed to entice someone into thinking it is real or original.

This is why the term “fake wood” can leave a homeowner wondering what to select when choosing new flooring.

Every year, traditional hardwood flooring tops the list of wants when people design or remodel their homes. That’s because it’s beautiful, warm, and can last for decades. When you install traditional hardwood flooring, you know you’ll have a flooring that performs as well as it looks, one you’ll enjoy for many years to come.

But here’s the thing; traditional hardwood doesn’t always make sense. No matter how much a homeowner desires to install it inside their home, they know it’s a mistake before they ever sign on the dotted line. That holds them back from replacing existing flooring, wondering what they should do.

Traditional hardwood doesn’t work for every homeowner. It’s not the best choice for certain rooms in your home. That’s where mixed feelings start bubbling up to the surface.

What are your options?

We get it. If you’re a diehard hardwood lover, anything but traditional hardwood may feel like you’re cheating. Anything but traditional hardwood may feel like you’re installing fake wood.

But what’s really happening is you’re putting your lifestyle first. Manufacturers understand that homeowners love hardwood. That’s why they’ve worked diligently to create some incredible products that mimic hardwood, yet serve you better based on your needs and desires.

In most cases, “fake wood” usually refers to several products designed to mimic classic hardwood. They include:

• Engineered hardwood
• Laminate
• Wood-look tile
• Luxury vinyl planks

Manufacturers have worked hard at creating products that look like the real thing, yet offer functionality a homeowner could never get by installing classic hardwood.

Engineered hardwood

Whereas traditional hardwood is constructed with a solid piece of wood, engineered hardwood is created from layers of hardwood and plywood. Each layer is positioned in a different direction for added strength and durability. This unique construction prevents the engineered hardwood from bowing and warping as traditional would may in moist situations. It can stand up better in higher traffic situations.

Engineered hardwood’s advantage over traditional wood is that its solid construction will allow it to be installed in many more places inside the home where traditional hardwood may be a problem. If you want hardwood below ground, engineered hardwood may be your choice, with a protective moisture barrier installed first.

People often prefer engineered hardwood because it’s as close to the real thing as possible. That’s because the top layer is a natural wood veneer that gives the same natural wood beauty as you’d expect from classic hardwood. It’s easy to care for and maintain, and comes in all the looks and style you’d expect from traditional hardwood.

Laminate

Laminate floors are a hybrid of particleboard wood topped with a realistic image layer, followed by a wear layer that can extend the life of your flooring. While people often think of the Pergo line put out into the flooring industry several decades ago, today’s laminate is a product many homeowners fall in love with.

Laminate floors have a smooth surface area that makes them easy to clean and maintain. A broom or a mop is all you’ll need to keep this fake wood flooring product looking good for years. Its strength and durability make it a perfect choice for homes with high-impact, where high traffic, kids, and pets stay active all day long. It’s well suited for being scratch-resistant, and will stand up to the games of chase your kids and pets can do all day long.

It’s also at the lower end of the price scale, making it a great choice for homeowners on a budget. It gives you the chance to have your “dream” flooring, with better functionality and cost features.

Wood-look tile

Homeowners may have fallen in love with natural hardwood for some areas of the home, but chances are their second choice is tile. Porcelain tile is another product that can last for decades when well cared for, and provide a quality flooring product that looks great and is easy to maintain.

So when manufacturers created porcelain tile that looks like hardwood, it was considered a win/win for everyone. These products closely mimic natural hardwood, and do it so well that even the experts have to take a second look.

What’s even better is porcelain tile works in every room in your home. If you’ve always wanted hardwood in your master bathroom or even the kid’s bath, now you can have it. It gives water-resistant qualities to places hardwood never made sense before.

What’s more, wood-look tile also makes a great addition over radiant heat. If you’ve been looking at the benefits of using radiant heating inside your home, combining it with wood-look tile may be just what you’re looking for.

Luxury vinyl planks

One of the newer entries into the “fake wood” market is luxury vinyl planks. Yet being new doesn’t take away from its popularity. People are falling in love with luxury vinyl planks because of their durability and classic good looks.

When people think of vinyl, they tend to think of the sheets installed in their parents’ homes. Luxury vinyl planks are completely different from that product line. Luxury vinyl planks are narrow strips resembling hardwood planks. They are created in layer format for strength and durability.

• The first layer is the wear layer, designed to prevent scratching and scuffs
• The second layer protects from more severe tearing and ripping
• A design layer adds the realistic quality of hardwood
• A backing layer of rigid vinyl adds thickness and durability

They are considered to be semi-rigid, in that they maintain their shape in much the same way as traditional hardwood. Instead of needing adhesive or nails to hold the product intact, they come with click-and-lock technology that makes them easy to install.

Why luxury vinyl planks are growing in popularity is that some product lines are waterproof. That makes them the perfect addition to every room in your home – you’ll never worry about the kids splashing too much in the bath with this product installed.

It’s also an affordable option, making it great for any homeowner trying to stick to a budget.

Still think fake wood isn’t for you?

While the concept of fake wood may seem a bit off-putting, don’t let the benefits hold you back.

Traditional hardwood doesn’t make sense in every situation. But if you still want the look of hardwood, there are many other options waiting for you.

 

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

The post Is It Fake Wood? Or Is It Beautiful Flooring? first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

Laminate floors are fairly resilient, however, you should still be mindful of how to prevent scratches on the surface.  Small scratches can easily happen without you sometimes realising how.  Scuffs and scratches are inevitable but can be prevented by taking a number of small steps. Read More