Month: November 2022

You’re ready for new floors. You have an idea in mind.

But flooring isn’t just about picking out the material. It requires a whole collection of accessories to finish the process.

• Granite
• Marble
• Hardwood
• Linoleum
• Laminate
• Carpet
• Vinyl
• Stone

Each material requires its own extras to complete the project. Transitions, trims, vents, underlayments – it’s all required and needs a decision before you finalize your purchase.

The more you know before you start shopping, the better prepared you can be to finalize your decisions.

Transitions

When planning a remodeling project, the main focus falls to what material you select. It’s fun to choose what you’ll install, and select the perfect color.

It’ll quickly become apparent that your new floor will have to sit adjacent to another floor, and it’ll have to blend together. This junction plays a vital role in visual appeal and overall durability. The standard way to transition from one floor to another is by using a transition strip. Here’s how you identify what works best.

What purpose will it serve? Transition strips can perform several different functions. The most obvious is to cover the joint where two separate flooring materials are joined together. Transitions can also help secure the flooring material into place, helping to protect it from wear and tear. It should be large enough and secured into place to prevent foot traffic from knocking it loose. Transitions can be similar to one flooring material, blending in nicely. Or make it visible to signal a change in height or texture of the flooring.

What flooring are you transitioning? Specific flooring materials need different transitions. Not all transitions will work in every situation. Are you moving from hard to soft flooring? Is there a difference in height? The material and height of the connecting surfaces will help you determine the best transition piece. A good installer will make recommendations and help you select the right piece for your home.

What transition strip do you need? A reducer helps transition from thicker flooring to thinner material, such as hardwood to sheet vinyl. A T-Mold helps transition hard surfaces of the same height. Carpet strips help transition from carpet to any other type of flooring. End molding provides a final edge instead of transitioning it to another material. Stairnose transitions from the edge of the stair tread to the flooring material. Tile strips provide transition between tile and any other type of flooring. Installers can get creative and make any transition durable and look great.

Trim and molding

Trim and molding are an essential part of any flooring project. They are flooring edge pieces that transition your flooring material to stairs, another floor, or walls. They are the finishing touches to complete your flooring renovation.

They come in many forms and materials, such as wood, rubber, vinyl, fiberboard, and more. Trim is a term used to describe edging material used around doors, windows, between different floors, and on walls and ceilings. Molding is a grander version of trim. Baseboard molding, for example, would be a decorative trim meant to stand out and create a custom look.

Like transitions, molding is chosen based on a variety of things:

• Location
• Floor type
• Size
• Style

Baseboards are considered to be the finishing touches. It fulfills two purposes: they serve as a transition from floor to wall, and cover any gaps between the floor and the wall. It gives a room a finished look, and can add to the overall architectural component.

Vents and registers

Vents and registers are standard and essential elements of any flooring remodel. Depending on your HVAC system, you may have several vents in the flooring. This requires you to incorporate them into your finalized flooring project to give your floors a flush fit, and ensure it isn’t a tripping hazard.

There are two essential elements to picking a suitable vent: function and aesthetics. Vents must allow your HVAC system to function as designed. They should work well with your flooring and allow airflow into the room. Vents should also be aesthetically pleasing. With many different types, it’s easy to find one that fits well and works with your room’s decor.

Underlayment

Underlayment sits just under your visible flooring choice and provides a smooth, flat surface area for your flooring to be installed. It can be made from different materials, and should be chosen depending on what flooring you’re installing. It comes as plywood, padding, hardboard, and cement board, to name but a few.

Underlayment isn’t the same as the subfloor. A subfloor is a part of a home’s framework and structure. Underlayment serves mainly as a flat surface area to make it easier to install your new flooring.

In some cases, it can also serve as additional insulation to help reduce noise as people walk across, or to soften the feeling of the floor underneath. It can also provide a moisture barrier, depending on what flooring you’re installing.

When installing hard surfaces like tile, underlayment provides a good surface area to adhere to the tile. It allows grout, adhesive, and tile to expand and contract if installed incorrectly. Be sure to select a quality underlayment for full protection.

It can also provide structural stability. Especially in older homes where the subfloor may not have the strength of modern-day building materials, the right underlayment can provide structural support.

Maintenance

From the moment you install your new flooring, you’ll want the proper tools to maintain it. If you’ve never had hardwood before, you’ll want something to dust away the daily dirt and debris. Installing carpet may require a vacuum to give you flexibility and ease while keeping it clean. Installing new linoleum? It requires occasional waxing to ensure it retains its good looks.

Before you rush out to your favorite big box store, check with your flooring manufacturer to ensure the products you use match what they suggest for warranty validation. Many of the top cleaners you’ll find on the shelves aren’t suitable for floors and can strip them of their good looks.

Have further questions? Just ask. We’re here to guide your flooring project every step of the way.

The post Flooring Accessories – Things To Ask Before You Invest In New Flooring first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

Wooden floors will encounter expansion and contraction with seasonal changes. It is commonly thought that a plank of wooden flooring is a set size and will stay that size, however wood is a natural material and will adapt to its surroundings.  The planks of flooring will respond to the humidity and temperature of the room that it is in. Read More

Carpeting is one of the most valuable assets in your home, adding beauty, warmth, and comfort to any room. However, it also takes a beating from spoils, pet accidents, dust, dirt tracked in from outdoors, and constant foot traffic.

If your carpets are beginning to show their life with some wear and tear and dirt or grime, you’ve probably thought about cleaning them yourself. Maybe you’ve walked by the carpet cleaning machines in your local store, or seen commercials for them on TV, and thought to yourself, Why not just clean the carpeting myself with one of these machines? It’ll save me some money and get the carpeting just as clean as a professional cleaning will.

Yes, it’s tempting to rent a carpet cleaning machine and do the job yourself in order to cut costs and not have to hassle with hiring a professional carpet cleaning company. But hold on – you may be doing more harm than good by taking the DIY option. Let’s take a closer look at carpet cleaning machines and what they can do to your carpets (and you!).

The Downside of Carpet Cleaning Chemicals

While you may think you are saving money by renting a carpet cleaning machine, keep in mind that you also have to buy the cleaning chemicals, which adds to the expense. If you have a large house with a lot of carpeting, that added cost can pile up fast!

And have you ever thought about exactly what’s in those cleaning chemicals? The exact formula will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but carpet cleaning solutions generally contain solvents, surfactants, foaming or defoaming agents, optical brighteners, emulsifiers, dyes, fragrance, and a host of other ingredients that if not handled correctly may be hazardous to your health. If you or anyone else in your household has asthma, allergies, or other respiratory problems, these chemicals can irritate the lungs and cause breathing problems.

DIY Carpet Cleaning Machines Can Damage Your Carpets, Too

Let’s move on to how these carpet cleaning machines work and how that can affect your carpeting. Typically these machines saturate your carpet (and the padding beneath) with water and cleaning chemicals. If the carpet gets too wet, or the padding gets wet and cannot dry thoroughly, then you are at risk of mold and mildew. As with harsh chemicals, mold and mildew can cause breathing problems for those at risk. Not to mention the fact that walking on wet carpeting is not fun!

Carpet cleaning machines also use brushes to agitate, brush and loosen dirt and stains, while their vacuum suction lifts it away. Depending on how the machine is used, the brushes could damage the carpet fibers. 

Professional Carpet Cleaning to the Rescue!

Carpets can last as long as 20 to 25 years in good condition as long as they are maintained properly. Unfortunately, improperly cleaning them yourself can cause damage, and using unapproved cleaning methods can even void the warranty.

That’s why it pays off in the long run to have your carpeting professionally cleaned. A pro will know how to properly clean and treat your carpets so that they will keep looking fresh and beautiful.

At A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning, we use a powerful steam cleaning system that eliminates the need for extra chemicals, removes tough stains and odors, and leaves your carpets looking like new. We serve customers throughout the Denver, Colorado area and offer carpet repair, upholstery cleaning, and rug cleaning services, as well.

If your carpet is showing its age, don’t be tempted to go the DIY route – contact us today for a professional carpet cleaning and let us bring your carpets back to life!

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

The post Cleaning Carpets Yourself May Do More Damage appeared first on A Personal Touch.

When you install new flooring, the inevitable will happen. You’ll drop a heavy pan and put a dent in the wood. You’ll move furniture and scrape the surface of your vinyl floors. You’ll drop red wine on your light carpet.

You’ll either be grateful you invested in extra flooring. Or you’ll cringe inside knowing you’re one step closer to replacing your flooring.

To save yourself the feeling of dread, as you’re finalizing your decision on what flooring to install, plan ahead and purchase extra flooring to have on hand for when you need it.

Buying extra flooring is a smart decision

Rarely is a room perfectly square. You’ll almost always have little areas that need flooring too. Like the coat closet near the front entrance. And where the floor curves slightly near the front window. Walk around your room and notice these nooks and crannies.

That means when you invest in new tiles or luxury vinyl planks, you’ll have to cut a few to create a harmonious look. You’ll need extra hardwood for the bottom of the closet.

Now let’s talk about installation methods. Rarely do installers move perfectly from start to finish without a mishap. Again, rooms are seldom perfectly sized. Even if you’re using a roll of carpet or vinyl, your room will invariably need seams to complete the project. That requires skill to cut and align it so the seam blends in.

Patterns and textures play a role in it too. You may need to cut your planks or tiles to get colors and shapes to match up. You’ll have more waste with intricate patterns.

It’s also wise to consider future needs. Extra flooring material will give you a chance to fix and replace damaged areas. Dented hardwood, stained carpet, or ripped or scuffed vinyl will be easy to fix when you have extra material.

How much extra flooring is enough?

As a general rule of thumb, flooring experts recommend:

• Up to 15 percent extra for ceramic tiles
• Up to 10 percent extra for vinyl planks
• Up to 20 percent extra for solid hardwood
• Up to 15 feet for wall-to-wall carpet

Of course, this is only an estimate. Your situation will determine the exact amount you should buy. A well-versed flooring expert can help you assess your needs. Consider the space you’re installing the flooring, your lifestyle, and the material. In almost every circumstance, homeowners are always grateful to have a little extra rather than running short.

Wastage is normal

With many home improvement materials, you’ll buy just enough to complete the project. Not so with flooring.

While an experienced installer will be efficient when laying your new flooring, there are always obstacles during the process. Wastage is normal.

It comes from the unanticipated problems that happen during installation.

• There might be a flow in the fibers of the carpet
• There may be tiles that aren’t a perfect match
• The grain in wood planks may need shifting and moving
• The pattern in the vinyl must match up

Unexpected things happen too:

• A tile drops to the floor and shatters
• A tile snaps when trying to cut it
• The surface of the vinyl rips while laying it into place
• You discover a box of hardwood with a defect

Hardwood has one of the greatest numbers of rejects due to defects. Staining is an inexact science, and depends on the color mix as well as how the hardwood takes to the color. Color change is often noticeable when you place two planks side by side.

What if you run out of flooring material?

While we highly recommend investing in extra flooring material as a part of your original purchase, there may be a time when you run out before you finish your project. There are a few things you can do:

• Save all flooring material until the end of the project. This gives you scrap pieces to play with as you finish your project. You may find the perfect piece to lay into a corner or closet.
• Keep the original detail of your flooring at hand. This includes the manufacture date, lot number, color, and model number. You can work with your flooring retailer to see if they have additional material in their storeroom. They can check with the manufacturer or other retailers to see if they can find the same lot.
• If you can’t find your specific lot number, you can always try and match it up with another lot. In some cases, the colors and patterns may be close enough that it blends well without standing out.
• If the new material stands out enough to be noticeable, you may have to rethink your flooring and purchase new material. Consider mixing and matching with your existing material to blend it. Or you may have to start over from scratch.

The specifics – what you should know

How much extra flooring material should you buy? It depends.

While we’ve given you a variety of tips to consider, it ultimately depends on the flooring material you’re buying and the project you’re completing.

Carpet usually is sold in 12 foot rolls. That means if you have a 15 foot room, you’ll need a seam somewhere in the room. The grain of the carpet must run the same way or you’ll notice it in the appearance. A knowledgeable carpet installer can make suggestions to ensure a long life, and it doesn’t hinder the way you move throughout the room.

Sheet vinyl is similar to carpet, only it comes in 6 foot rolls. Sheet vinyl has the added need of matching grains, patterns, colors, and textures. It’s important to create a seamless look, and place the seams in places that receive less traffic. A flush seam creates a flawless look.

Tile is often used in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens, so it has a variety of obstacles to go around. You’ll need extra for cutting to place around sinks and toilets, and to wedge underneath vanities. Consider buying extra for breakage during installation.

The post Should You Invest In Extra Flooring? first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

Think carpet is waning in popularity? Think again. It currently makes up almost half of the flooring space, and it’s growing.

Is there an advantage to having carpet in some rooms of your home? Of course. It helps warm up a bedroom. It’s soft underfoot in a playroom. And it adds noise control in a media room. Carpet may be the perfect addition to your next remodel.

What is broadloom carpet?

Carpet is sold in two formats: broadloom (wall-to-wall) or tiles. The term “broadloom” comes from the process of a carpet woven on a loom, made big enough to fit inside a room. It’s sold on rolls usually 12 feet wide, but they can also be 13 feet 6 inches, or 15 feet in width.

Historically, people would hand weave carpets on a loom. A loom is a device to aid in weaving carpet, holding fibers in place on one side while fibers going the opposite direction are woven in. As manufacturing took over, they created a broader loom – broadloom – to handle carpet production on a much bigger scale.

Because broadloom is a larger size, more options are available. You’ll find rugs in a variety of shapes and sizes. And you’ll find wall-to-wall carpet in a variety of styles and patterns. Looms today are operated using technology, with precise movements that create some of the most durable, long-lasting carpets available.

What are broadloom textures?

Broadloom carpet is manufactured and sold in large rolls. What it looks like depends on the fiber texture you choose.

Loop – loop carpet is often referred to as Berber. The fibers consist of short loops woven into the carpet backing. Once in place, the loops remain uncut, adding strength for high-traffic situations. You’ll find loop fibers in commercial-grade carpets because of their ability to hide dirt well.

Cut pile – cut pile is most commonly used in residential settings. Cutting fibers make the surface smooth to the touch, giving it a softer feel people like in bedrooms, family rooms, or anywhere where they sit down and play. Its soft texture will leave footprints behind, which makes it less than ideal in high-traffic situations.

Frieze – while Frieze carpet is a subcategory of cut pile, it adds a twist to the fiber to make it more durable. Many homeowners choose Frieze because it keeps softness while adding durability.

Cut and loop – a cut and loop broadloom carpet combines the features of both cut and loop fibers. As the carpet is manufactured, some fibers remain looped while others are cut. This creates a distinct surface pattern that adds variety and texture to your home. Keep in mind that this texture will need to be matched if you’ll need a larger format carpet.

Installing broadloom carpet

Broadloom is almost always sold to install as wall-to-wall carpet. In residential situations, it sits on top of padding to give it more flexibility and lifespan. In commercial applications, it may be glued into place for added strength.

Broadloom is designed in specific widths. If your room is bigger or smaller than the carpet width, it will need to be fitted into place. Smaller rooms will be trimmed to fit. You’ll have leftover carpet remnants you can keep for emergencies. Larger rooms will have to be seamed together. You may have to purchase extra carpet to ensure the pattern remains throughout the room.

If you want to carpet a small space, you can ask about remnant carpet. Dealers often have extra pieces from the end of the roll that are smaller than the average room.

The benefits of broadloom carpet 

Technological advances have made today’s broadloom carpet some of the best on the market. While the benefits are many, here are a few things to keep in mind as you shop for new carpet.

Stain-resistance – what holds many homeowners back from wanting to install carpet is the possibility of staining it from the moment it’s laid into place. Red wine on a light carpet will be an eye-sore, and be noticeable from the moment it occurs. Today’s technology means the fibers are pretreated with stain-resistance products that won’t soak up liquids when spilled onto the floor. Acting quickly will pull problems away from the fibers before they have a chance to set in. If stain-resistance is a top concern, be sure to bring it up when shopping for carpet.

Eco-friendly – worried about what carpet is doing to the environment? Carpet wears out faster than other types of flooring, making it necessary to replace it more frequently. Manufacturers recognize that, and are doing what they can to produce more sustainable products. Many carpets today are made from recycled plastic bottles or fishing nets, giving you a way to make your home a little greener and reduce your carbon footprint.

Padding – while carpets are built to be softer, stronger, and more durable than ever before, don’t forget it’s the padding that can make your broadloom carpet last even longer. Some carpets take out the step of buying additional padding by having it already attached. Padding cushions the footsteps, gives the fibers extra support, and ensures the fibers can handle all you dish out.

Waterproof – is waterproof a thing? You’ll be pleasantly surprised that waterproof carpet is an option for busy households. These fibers are specially treated to make it easy to blot away any moisture that appears on the surface. The waterproof backing ensures moisture doesn’t soak through the padding and onto the subfloor. This gives you added protection against mold and mildew.

Is broadloom carpet right for you?

Still trying to decide if broadloom carpet is the right choice for you? With so many technological advances, it’s a flooring choice you’ll be proud to bring into your home.

It provides a seamless look for most rooms. Need something bigger than the average roll? Experienced carpet installers do an amazing job of creating a seamless environment.

It also gives you softness you can’t find in any other flooring. That makes it the perfect choice for bedrooms or media rooms. It helps insulate it from cold, and stops sound from traveling throughout the room.

Are you convinced broadloom carpet is the right choice for you? Stop by today and see our complete selection.

The post What You Need To Know About Broadloom Carpet first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

It is really easy to keep your LVT floor clean.  LVT is short for Luxury Vinyl Tiles.  In recent years they have become really popular due to their durability, authentic appearance and easiness to keep clean.  You won’t need any expensive cleaning products or a lengthy maintenance process. Read More

There are hundreds of different floor types that homeowners can choose between, but in recent years, luxury vinyl flooring has become incredibly popular. This is primarily because luxury vinyl flooring is durable, easy to maintain, and incredibly versatile, according to industry experts like Flooring.org.

Yet, it’s important to note that not all luxury vinyl flooring is made equal, so it’s important to learn all you can about this flooring product. Fortunately, you needn’t look too far because our team has put together this luxury vinyl floor guide that discusses everything you should know, including what it is, where it can be used, and how much it usually costs to install.

What Exactly Is Luxury Vinyl Flooring?

Before you can understand what luxury vinyl flooring is, it’s important to know what standard vinyl flooring is so that you can tell the difference. Have a look below to learn about their differences:

Standard Vinyl Flooring

Most standard vinyl flooring has four layers of materials, with the bottom layer consisting of foam or cork. The bottom layer is typically regarded as the underlayment, so no other material must be laid underneath the vinyl flooring. This underlayment also functions as a cushion to keep sound at bay and make walking on it more comfortable.

Above the underlayment layer is a waterproof layer that absorbs moisture without compromising the integrity of the flooring since it doesn’t swell. This layer can either be made out of WPC, made from wood and plastic deposits or SPC, made from plastic and stone deposits.

The third layer is a design layer because it features a high-quality image of your choosing (most people choose a wood grain, stone, or marble image). On top of this design, the layer is a wear layer. This final layer protects the flooring from wear and tear and ranges in thickness.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Luxury vinyl flooring is similar to standard vinyl flooring, with the main difference being that it usually has six to eight layers instead of four.

For example, luxury vinyl flooring could have a cushion layer made from foam or felt that has been specially designed to make it more comfortable.

Luxury vinyl flooring could also have a clear top coat to give it a sheen and provide extra protection against wear and tear. This flooring could also have a fiberglass layer that helps it lie as evenly as possible with minimal movement.

What About Luxury Vinyl Planks and Tiles?

Luxury vinyl planks and tiles have more layers than standard vinyl floors, which is why they are about five times thicker. Besides providing better wear and tear, this additional material adds a realistic look to the flooring – especially if you want to mimic stone or wood.

Unlike other flooring, luxury planks and tiles are created using a 3D printer which is why this flooring material can almost perfectly replicate naturally occurring flooring materials. Additionally, since luxury vinyl planks and tiles are more durable, they have an incredible lifespan of about 20 years.

Where Can Luxury Vinyl Flooring Be Used?

Now that you know what it is and how long it lasts, you’re likely eager to learn where luxury vinyl flooring can be used. Ultimately, to determine if your home or business should use final flooring, you need to consider your needs and preference alongside your budget.

However, if you have children or pets or are in an environment where there are always spills, you need to look at luxury vinyl flooring because it’s waterproof and moisture friendly. Most people install luxury vinyl flooring in entryways, kitchens, basements, bathrooms, and other high-traffic areas that require durable but comfortable flooring.

How Much Does Luxury Vinyl Flooring Cost on Average?

How much you pay for luxury vinyl flooring depends on the type of floor you want. For example, if you’re looking for planks, you should expect to pay between $2.5 and $12 per square foot.

In contrast, luxury vinyl tiles are typically a cheaper alternative, with the average cost at $1 and $10 per square foot. However, you need to remember that these are only material costs, and you will have to pay labor, which usually costs upwards of $1000.

Now you know significantly more about vinyl flooring and why it’s one of the best flooring options for a home or business. If you’re interested in this material and want to learn more, you can speak with an expert at Flooring.org.

Our team has years of experience installing luxury vinyl flooring and can answer any questions you might have. So contact us at 800-689-9006, and we’ll be in touch.

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