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

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

Before you get to color, start with material first

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

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

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

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

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

Color, color everywhere

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s get into specifics

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

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

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

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

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

Final thoughts on hardwood color choices

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

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

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

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

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

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

That’s your personality shining through.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s get started.

Pre-Installation Preparation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What we will do for you

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

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

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

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

The Perfect Installation with The Carpet Guys

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

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

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

Make flooring simple with The Carpet Guys today.

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

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

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

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

Where should you begin?

Laminate or hardwood – an overview

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

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

For some, only “real” hardwood will do.

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

Laminate is increasing in popularity.

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

Which is right for you?

Laminate or hardwood – pros and cons

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

Appearance

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

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

Longevity

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

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

Green, eco-friendly design

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

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

Installation

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

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

Laminate or hardwood – what’s your choice? 

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

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

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

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

Living life inside

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

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

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

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

Steam clean for health

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

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

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

Steam clean for comfort

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

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

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

Trust the experts

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

Get in touch today

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

Sources

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

Allergy Facts | AAFA.org

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

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

For some homeowners, white is the ultimate color in home decor. White cabinets. White walls. White furniture. White floor.

That’s just one of the reasons why whitewash flooring is growing in popularity.

According to Pantone, the leading authority on color, white is the expression of “quiet calm.:

“White is a symbol of calming influence in a frenetic society that is rediscovering the value of measured consideration and quiet reflection.”

In our fast-paced, chaotic world, sometimes it’s nice to come home to peace and serenity. Loud colors can be too bright. Patterns can add more chaos to an already busy life. But white offers peace and tranquility, a place to sit back and relax.

No wonder whitewash flooring is making a comeback.

What is whitewashing?

Whitewashing has been around for a long time. Originally, whitewashing was a way to protect wood from moisture, mold, and mildew. Homeowners would whitewash the wood around the homestead to give it protection from the elements throughout the year.

It’s similar to painting wood. Instead of paint, whitewashing is a combination of lime and water. Lime is antibacterial, antimicrobial, and resists mold and mildew. Once mixed, it can be applied directly to wood, producing a chalky white liquid that smooths on.

You’re likely to see whitewash flooring in colonial homes, or homes on the seaboard. The whitewashed look is also a mainstay in Scandinavian design.

What makes whitewash so popular is the light, bright appearance it gives to any room. If you’re trying to open up space and make it appear larger than it actually is, whitewash is a great look.

Are whitewashed floors popular?

You may remember Tom Sawyer whitewashing the fence in the beloved book by the same name. Whitewashing was ever-present during that time period because of its protection to homestead design features. It preserved wood and made it last longer, giving homeowners freedom and flexibility to spend time on other things than floor maintenance.

But over time, we as a society began inventing new flooring materials, and implementing new processes that made flooring more durable and easier to maintain. Why add whitewashing to your to-do list when a floor could remain in good condition for years without the process?

But there’s still something about the whitewash look that brings back classic charm.

• If you want a traditional design, whitewashing may be your best choice.
• If you want light, minimalist looks, whitewashing may give you what you desire.
• If you prefer shabby chic, whitewashing may enhance your design by incorporating your own personality into your home.

Luckily, whitewashing flooring of today isn’t anything like it was one hundred years ago. You can choose to paint your existing hardwood flooring to achieve the look. Or you can install whitewash prefinished flooring for a classic look without the fuss.

The problem with DIY whitewashing techniques

If you do a quick search online, you can find a wide variety of sites showing you ways to achieve a whitewashed look using do-it-yourself strategies. There are a variety of resources you can find that will show you ways to complete the look with a bit of elbow grease on a small budget.

The problem with a lot of these strategies is they don’t work, and they may cause permanent damage to your hardwood floors.

A lot of sites recommend painting your floors to achieve your desired results. In theory, it sounds like a good idea. How many home projects have you completed with a bucket of paint? But there are many reasons why this is a bad idea.

Paint covers up the wood, which separates the wood from the top coat you’ll ultimately apply. Whereas stain penetrates the wood, paint creates a protective covering. Without the proper sealants, it’ll be easy for your painted floors to chip and peel, meaning you’ll be repairing your flooring more frequently.

Paint also has the right consistency to run and move anywhere it can. Instead of sitting on the top surface, it’ll seep between the cracks and move to the sides and underneath the planks. When you decide to refinish your floors again in the future, you won’t be able to sand this trace paint away. You’ll be able to see the white paint no matter what you do. This means the only way you’ll ever eradicate it is to rip them out and install new hardwood flooring.

Best options for whitewashing floors

If you already have hardwood flooring in place, and are interested in achieving a whitewashed look, your best course of action is to select a white stain. You can also use a white tinted sealer, which gives you added protection for your floors.

If you’re looking at remodeling your home and want to install new whitewashed floors, there are a number of ways you can do this.

If traditional hardwood is a priority, work with your flooring consultant to purchase a light hardwood that will work well with a white stain. Keep in mind that different materials will provide different results. Do you prefer red tints or yellow? Are you looking for as light as possible, or do you want other tones shining through? White oak, pine, or elm all start with classic light hues that will only be further enhanced by a whitewashing look. But don’t discount darker materials – even walnut can lighten up dark undertones to provide a unique look.

Other flooring materials can also give you the classic whitewashed look.

Today’s luxury vinyl planks come in many different colors and hues. Plus they add durability and waterproof qualities that make it a perfect choice where traditional hardwood may be more problematic. Want it in your basement, bathrooms, or renovated home office? Luxury vinyl planks may be just what you’re looking for.

Laminate can also give you the appearance of hardwood with more durable qualities. Think of this as an easy way to get the look you love, while adding durability to your home design too.

Are you ready for whitewash floors?  

Whitewash flooring may be the perfect addition to your home. Easy to achieve, easy to live with, easy to clean, you’re going to love the look.

Are whitewash floors the right choice for you?

The post Whitewash Flooring – Choosing The Right Level of White first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

Modern homes have so many wonderful options to choose from when it comes to your floors. For our part, we offer everything from Herringbone to vinyl and even bamboo flooring. There are some floor materials, like laminate flooring, which have become very popular since they provide superior protection against moisture and heat.

Why Laminate Flooring?

Flooring.org wants to suggest a few reasons why you should consider laminate flooring for your next home renovation.

There are several advantages to choosing laminate floors.

Less Expensive Than Hardwood

Hardwood floors might cost you anywhere from $6 to $23 per square foot, whereas laminate flooring ranges from $1 to $12 generally. Also, since hardwood floor is harder to install (see bullet point #3), you’re likely to incur higher labor costs as well.

Durable Material

Not all laminate is made the same, which is an advantage for homeowners who want to spend more on a durable version with a higher Abrasion Criteria (AC). Laminate comes in different strengths, including the kind with the highest ratings of AC4/AC5.

Easier to Install/Repair

Many homeowners choose to install laminate flooring themselves, which is a lot more feasible than it is with other materials. We also think the cleaning and maintenance are easier. You’ll have less difficulty trying to control the dust as well as handle spills as laminate doesn’t stain as badly.

Several Styles

Do you want your laminate to resemble stone, wood, or other textures? It’s all possible and you can probably do it with fewer defects. Sometimes, the imitation approach is better, especially since you have a wider range of colors to choose from as well.

Versatility

Whether you choose to install laminate flooring in a living room, kitchen, bedroom, or basement, it looks good everywhere. This is true even in humid climates where other materials run the risk of moisture damage in certain areas of the house.

Laminate Floors from Flooring.org

Flooring.org is your leader in everything flooring, and that goes for laminate flooring too. We can help you take advantage of something that’s just as nice, more durable, and less expensive than real wood flooring. Check out this beautiful example, the Mannington Laminate Flooring, which comes from 70% recycled content.

Flooring.org supplies and services flooring supplies across a wide spectrum of materials, including laminate. If you need help selecting good flooring or don’t know how to do an installation, we’re here to help. Call us to learn more at (800) 689-9006.

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

When working on home improvement plans, the 2022 Colors of the Year can help with inspiration. Though The Carpet Guys specialize in flooring, we want to share some inspiring colors that may transform your space. Read on to see some great ideas.

While we are reviewing these amazing new 2022 Colors of the Year, we are also going to recommend flooring options that we believe would complement these beautiful hues.

Pantone 2022 Color of the Year

Pantone is the leader in all things color.  When fledgling companies are just setting up, many refer to Pantone. It helps them choose the color scheme that will best represent what their company stands for.  In Pantone’s words, “A new color whose courageous presence encourages personal inventiveness and creativity.” Very Peri is representative of the transformative times we are entering after a long and arduous journey with Covid.

And what better flooring to accentuate this peaceful tint than Shaw’s COREtec luxury vinyl tile in the color Libra?! It maintains the cool tone of the Very Peri and supports Libra’s desire for balance and harmony.

Sherwin-Williams 2022 Color of the Year

The warm, earthy neutral of Evergreen Fog is a subtle accent for any room in your home.  It can straddle the gap between cool greys and warmer neutral shades like beige or even dark coffee.  This is why we recommend Mohawk’s RevWood Plus Crest Haven Prairie House Oak. It’s a warm, rich coffee-colored laminate that will bring warmth to any room it’s installed in.

Krylon’s 2022 Color of the Year for Our DIY’ers

For all our do-it-yourselfers out there, Krylon chose Satin Rolling Surf as their spray paint 2022 Color of the Year. This vibrant teal hue embodies Krylon’s own color marketing manager Sue Kim’s quote. “The depth of this blue taps into mental well-being, connecting with optimism and hope, and helping set a sense of stability and balance through refreshed DIY projects.”

If you are a proficient DIY’er, come to The Carpet Guys and check out our vast selection of cash and carry carpet remnants. Like this Phenix Flooring’s Tempt Allure to accentuate whatever refinished furnishings you have created with this beautiful Krylon color. You won’t be disappointed with our prices or our options.

We recommend calling 1-800-PAINTERS (1-800-724-6837) if you want any of these colors added to your home decor in paint form.

If you are looking for flooring installation to accent your 2022 colors, call 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897). We will bring our showroom to your home.  Our Design Consultants can help you decide what colors and styles will best suit your household needs and budget.  Or go to our online in-home schedule page and we can set up an appointment day and time that is convenient for you.

The post 2022 Colors of the Year appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

One of the most high-traffic areas in your home is the kitchen. That’s probably why you hear so many experts tell you hardwood flooring in the kitchen isn’t a good idea.

But is that true?

Think about all the action that happens in the kitchen. You cook. You bake. You eat. Food and liquid hit the floor on a regular basis.

At dinnertime, it’s one of the busiest, dirtiest places inside the house.

That’s why flooring choice is so important.

You want to couple durability with aesthetics, giving you a room you’ll love to spend time in, and one that functions well too.

Hardwood is one of the most popular flooring choices. According to a National Association of Realtors Remodeling Impact Report, 78 percent of consumers who installed wood flooring had a greater desire to be in their home. And as an investment, new wood flooring had 106 percent cost recovered when selling a home.

So why not the kitchen?

If you dig deep into what designers really think, you’ll quickly discover that hardwood in the kitchen isn’t as taboo as you might think. In fact, there are many benefits to using hardwood in the one spot your family spends countless hours in.

Create a uniform floorplan

A lot of homes across Colorado utilize an open concept floorplan, which has been popular for many years. Instead of closing off every room with a door, openings and entries allow you to flow naturally from room to room. Living rooms, dining space, kitchens – they all flow together to allow easy living. And as such, it only makes sense to install the same flooring throughout.

If using hardwood in other areas, only to transition to tile or vinyl in the kitchen has left you cold in the past, now is the time to rethink your flooring strategy. With the advancements made in hardwood flooring technology, there’s no reason to stop hardwood at the starting point of your kitchen. It disrupts the flow and creates a choppy design – that’s not the way to create appealing aesthetics throughout.

Hardwood is one of the most durable floors you can install

Why do so many people install hardwood flooring? Because it can last for decades if well cared for.

People are even seeking out reclaimed wood that was recovered from old barns and structures, refurbishing them and using them to add personality to their homes.

When you bring hardwood into your home, and use a protective seal to protect it, you’re giving your floors strength to withstand all your family can dish out.

In the kitchen, that can include dropped pans, leaky containers, and the occasional food spill that causes a sticky mess. Today’s sealers offer enough defense to make any cleanup easy, and prevent it from doing further damage.

Think hardwood can’t stand up to all your family can dish out? Check the warranties of many of today’s top lines. They offer years worth of protection. If they provide the warranty, isn’t that one more reason for you to consider hardwood in the kitchen?

It’s easy to clean

Kitchens get messy. There’s no avoiding it.

It isn’t a place to worry about every time you drop a spoon. Luckily, you don’t have to.

Today’s finishes and sealers protect against a variety of daily mishaps. With a damp cloth and quick action, you can prevent staining and damage just by wiping it up. That’s all it takes for daily maintenance.

You can vacuum the floor weekly to ensure all crumbs are picked up and pushed from the corners. If you prefer to mop, do so with it carefully wrung out – excessive moisture isn’t good for hardwood, especially if it’s allowed to sit.

And when the time is right, hardwood gives you another advantage – it can be refinished multiple times. A professional can come in and sand it down, fix any damage, and apply a new coat of stain and sealer. Then you’re ready to go once again, and can enjoy your hardwood flooring all over again. It’s the one floor that keeps on giving throughout the years.

It’s easy to install

Hardwood flooring has been used in homes all across the world for decades. That means installers have a lot of experience with installing hardwood, and understand how to blend it with other flooring materials inside your home. Whether you choose to match it up with hardwood already in place, or remove old flooring and start with a clean slate, a hardwood specialist will be able to create the look you’re striving for.

It’s environmentally friendly

Going green may be a buzzword in the home renovation business, but if you’re striving to make your home cleaner, more chemical-free, hardwood may be just the thing to install.

Natural versus human-made – the closer you can get to nature, the more assured you’ll be of the impact it has on your family. Pay attention to the entire life cycle; does the manufacturer use sustainable processes throughout? This included production, manufacturing, and what happens to materials at end of life.

Is hardwood flooring in the kitchen right for you? 

We’ve had clients wait years to install hardwood throughout their living space out of fear of what would happen in the kitchen. They installed vinyl and hated it. They’ve laid tile into place only to turn around and tear it out. When they finally settled on hardwood, matching it to the floors in their living room, dining room, and family space, that’s when they felt their homes were complete.

If you’ve been stalling on adding new flooring to your home because you weren’t sure if hardwood was the right choice for your kitchen, put your doubts aside.

Hardwood is more than doable in any kitchen with today’s product lines. And you’ll love the results.

Isn’t that what home design should be?

The chance to let your personality shine, and create the look that’s perfect for your tastes.

Don’t be afraid of hardwood. It might just be the best material you’ve ever installed in your kitchen space.

The post 5 Reasons Why Hardwood Flooring Is Perfect For The Kitchen first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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Whether you need an underlay depends on three main things.  Firstly, which flooring you have. Secondly, where you are going to fit it. Thirdly, how you are going to install it.  Generally, you will need to use one if you are using engineered wood flooring and you want to float it in your home. Read More