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Have you ever walked into a room and cringed at the sound? Every footstep you take, it echoes throughout the room.

That’s one of the biggest reasons people are leery of moving to certain types of flooring. They’ve heard horror stories about laminate, for example, and won’t even consider it as an option.

While your flooring choice does have some impact on how soundproof your room will be, a lot of it stems from how the flooring was installed.

Homes are meant to be lived in. And if you’re overly cautious about how you walk around a room, or what activities you partake in just to avoid creating sounds, it’s time to consider other options.

Understanding noise

Inside a home, there are two different types of sound that impact your lifestyle:

Footfall noise – this happens with every step you take. It’s the noise you make from walking across the floor. It also applies to the way appliances or other machinery connects and moves on the floor. It’s sounds coming from floor joists and bad connections. It’s the energy used with everything that moves across the floor.

Airborne noise – these are sounds that come from other sources inside your home. The television. People talking. Music. It’s the way the sound vibrates throughout the room, and flows from place to place.

The quieter you want your home to be, the more focus needs to be placed on both types of soundproofing. It starts with the floor – an absorbing underlayment can help reduce both kinds of noise.

It’s not just the flooring you choose – it’s the underlayment too

Where a lot of homeowners go astray when budgeting for new flooring is thinking that the entire cost is quoted with the material they select. If you’ve ever gone to your local big box store, you might be pleasantly surprised to see popular flooring choices for a few dollars a square foot. This is doable, you might think. But what they aren’t posting is all the different things you should also be considering.

Hardwood and laminate floors

These can be challenging to soundproof because they are by default, hard floors. Any hard surface will amplify footfall noise and airborne noise. To reduce the sounds vibrating throughout your room, it starts with the right underlayment to help deaden the noise. An underlayment helps create a gap between the subfloor and the actual hardwood or laminate you install. Because the hardwood or laminate is “floating” above the subfloor, it takes the pressure off any force that would apply to the construction of the home.

Ceramic tile

Ceramic tile is often similar to hardwood in the way it amplifies noise. The key to reducing noise is in the underlayment. However, it’s crucial to choose one that can be placed under mortar and will work well with stone and tile. It needs to work at both soundproofing as well as help prevent cracking, which is always an issue if ceramic tile isn’t laid into place without gaps underneath.

Carpet

Carpet is one of the easiest flooring choices to soundproof because of the fibers themselves. Its soft, dense material will minimize both footfall and airborne sounds. But even if you choose to carpet for your home, there are things you can do to reduce sounds even more. For carpet, it starts with the pad. A thick, high quality pad softens every step you take, and reduces the noise that comes up from the subfloor and out into your room.

If you want to further increase the soundproofing, you can even install an underlayment below the padding to soften noises even further. This can be a great option for people working from home. If you’ve started podcasting, or training via Zoom, this may be the right choice for you to create a quiet environment.

Are you remodeling or soundproofing existing floors? 

If you’re remodeling, changing out floors and adding new walls, you have more options than if you’re dealing with an existing floor. Lots of products and materials are now available to help you create a more silent atmosphere.

Damping compounds can be applied between drywall, plywood, and other materials in your walls and floors. It’s a great way to reduce the sounds of both footfall and airborne noises.

Floor joist isolators are made from plastic or foam and can be installed right over the floor joists to help lessen the impact of noises.

Resilient channels will also help reduce noise by placing spacers between drywall and floor joists. Working similarly to the isolators, they are used to soften the impact of wood connections, and lessen the likelihood they’ll squeak and make noises.

Other things you can do to soundproof your home

There are only so many things you can do to limit the amount of sound vibrating as you walk across your flooring. If you live in a multiple family unit – a condo or a townhome, for example – in addition to the ambient noise you make inside your home, you’ll also be dealing with noise from your neighbors.

Sound is created from everything you do. If you modify other things in your room, you can create a sound barrier between rooms, and even between units.

An empty room will be louder than one filled with decor. Pay attention to the type of furniture you bring in to fill up your space. Upholstered furniture will help absorb sound – the fibers work similarly to carpeting. Add throw pillows to add a splash of color as well as muffle sounds. And instead of selecting glass or wood tables, why not use upholstered ottomans instead? Place them against a wall, and it will further reduce noise.

Don’t leave walls bare as this will also increase the level of noise. Add drapery to your windows, and add photographs or artwork to the walls. Many people like clean lines of plantation shutters, or blinds for blocking out light. But it’s fabric-based window coverings that will provide you insulation from both noise and weather elements. Don’t forget to cover all windows and doors, including large patio doors or windows that are high up near your vaulted ceilings. They all add into the amount of sound vibrating through each of your rooms.

Trying to soundproof your home, and looking for the best flooring to suit your needs? Stop by today, and we’ll help you make the right choice for your home.

The post Your Flooring Can Help You Soundproof Your Home first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

Thinking of expanding your family? Adding a new baby to the family?

There are a lot of things you need to get ready for a child. After you buy the crib and invest in a shelf of diapers, you might start looking at the safety factors throughout your home.

• Are your cabinets locked and safe?
• Do you have padding on the corners of your table to prevent injury in case of a fall?
• Do you have flooring that is toddler friendly?

Not sure what toddler friendly flooring means?

Why some floors are better for families

As babies grow, a lot changes in their worlds. They roll. They crawl. They fall down as they learn to walk. They bump into things with their unsteady wobbles.

Their entire world remains on the floor for the first few years of their lives.

Do you really want them in close contact with old carpet, or hard floors that can bruise their tiny knees?

At the same time, you don’t have to give up beauty and style for the sake of having a soft flooring perfect for your child. It is possible to have both.

Carpet – One of the most popular flooring materials for bedrooms, playrooms, and even living spaces is carpet. While plush fibers are soft and warm, and feel good on the knees and toes, you can also consider Berber. A low pile works well in playrooms as tiny toys won’t get lost in the fibers. It’s also soft on tender knees, and pads falls as they learn to walk.

LVT – If you haven’t considered vinyl, it may be time to give it a second look. Luxury vinyl tiles are one of the most popular flooring choices because it’s waterproof. Yes, waterproof. And that can be a big deal for active families. Luxury vinyl tile isn’t the vinyl you grew up with. Instead, LVT and LVP – luxury vinyl planks – look like the most popular flooring on the market, yet offer additional benefits that work well for homeowners.

LVT and LVP take on the appearance of hardwood, stone, and tile, yet add the benefit of being waterproof. LVT products are built in layers that give them their good looks while at the same time being durable and waterproof. The layers also build in padding that makes it softer to the touch than flooring choices like hardwood and tile. That softens the blow as kids are learning to crawl and walk. It also prevents accidents as they drop things.

Plus LVT looks so realistic, it fools even the experts. It’s growing in popularity because of its durability. You can install it anywhere in your home and have it be durable as well as good looking.

Hardwood – Homeowners still love their hardwood. If this is you, never fear, hardwood is always a good choice. Hardwood is softer than tile, and its classic good looks will last for decades. If you do have issues, you can sand it down and refinish it. That makes it a great choice for growing families that want to have hardwood for life in their forever homes.

Don’t forget about stairs

While many families consider flooring for their living spaces, bedrooms, and play areas, they often forget about stairs. Staircases are one of the biggest danger zones for children.

If you select the wrong flooring, the stairs may be too slippery.

If you choose incorrectly, it might not cushion a fall.

If you do choose hardwood, there are ways to make it safe.

Above all, ensure you place child-proof gates at the top and bottom of the stairs. This prevents your curious toddler from climbing up and falling down.

If you still prefer your hardwood for looks and wear, there are many ways to make them safer. Consider adding a carpet runner to soften the blow as you take each step. You can also install non-skid step pads to make your stairs safer. If you aren’t sure of how to install any of these for safety, it’s best to leave it to a professional that will ensure your stairs are as safe as possible.

Add an area rug for increased safety

Many people prefer hardwood, they install it as they move into their homes. Yet with a new addition to your growing family, you want to add softness and safety to your home too.

Area rugs are a great solution. You can get area rugs in every size, color, pattern, and thickness you desire. Want softness throughout your room? You can choose a size that covers the entire living space. Want to accent your decor? You can customize sizes to create your desired look.

The key is in ensuring they stay secure on the floor, won’t slip and slide as you walk on them, and won’t be a hazard for anyone that walks over them. Ensure you buy a non-skid rug pad that will hold your rug securely to the floor. Also pay attention to its impact on your flooring. You don’t want a ruined floor when you decide to pick up your rug and change it out.

Choosing flooring for health benefits too

Today’s families are also more conscious of how building materials impact health as well.

Many websites will talk about the impact flooring can have on health.

• Carpeting can off-gas and add chemicals into the air supply.
• Vinyl may have volatile organic compounds that can impact respiratory conditions.
• Glues and epoxies can add to your health concerns.

It’s enough to make any new parent worried and overwhelmed.

Keep in mind that as many things as you read online, manufacturers are also listening to the rhetoric and doing something about it.

Pay attention to manufacturers’ guidelines, and you’ll find many products that will not add chemical compounds into your home. Vinyl floors now emit relatively low levels of VOCs, and if you pay attention, you can get that as low as possible.

Want safe carpeting? Why not move to an all-natural fiber such as wool?

If you’re worried about glues and epoxies, there are many different options. How about installing click-and-lock technology that allows you to install a floating floor without using dangerous chemicals.

As a new family, if you have concerns about the products you bring into your home, stop by and let us show you your options. One of the benefits of working with a flooring expert is we understand your concerns, as well as what’s on the market. We won’t sell you our preferred product, we want you to buy what’s right for you. We want you to be happy with your choice. We can walk you through the benefits of several different types of flooring, and ensure you get the perfect floor for your growing family.

What questions can we answer for you?

The post Choose Flooring That Makes Your Floors More Toddler Friendly first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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You may have two loves in this world: your dog and your hardwood floors. You may have thought that those two things cannot exist simultaneously. However, we have news for you–there are some hardwood floors that will be just fine with your furry friend. Here is information on which type of hardwood floors will be perfect for your pampered pet.

Types of Hardwood Floors for Dog Lovers

You need to know up front that the best hardwood floors for dogs are hard woods, rather than soft woods. You need to avoid these wood floors, because they are soft, which means dog claws can scratch them easily: American cherry, American walnut, carbonized bamboo, cedar, fir, and pine. One type of hardwood you may want to try is hard maple. It is so hard that it has been used for years as a basketball court flooring.

You can also choose hardwood flooring choices that are already distressed, or that are recycled from old buildings. These hardwoods have stood up to the test of time, and can take a little more wear and tear. Because they are vintage, they are also flawed–so a couple more claw marks aren’t going to make a difference. Also, check for hardwoods that have a strong wood grain pattern, because it is easier to hide claw marks and other doggie flaws.

One more tip: skip over that glossy finish that everyone loves if you have a dog. Those doggy claw marks will show up quickly on the glossy floor. You’ll want to get a matte finish or a satin finish instead. That way, your dog’s marks won’t show up as easily.

When you’re ready to talk to someone about your flooring issues, you need to give Flooring.org a call. Call us anytime at 800-689-9006. You can also contact us at [email protected] for advice or information.

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

Leaving the right expansion gap is an essential part of fitting any wooden floor. Whether it be solid wood, engineered wood or parquet block flooring, they all need an expansion gap to allow for natural movements when the wood expands and contracts with changes in the surrounding atmosphere.

An expansion gap is a small space left around the perimeter of the room.  For hardwood floors it is recommended that a gap of at least 12mm is left around the entire edge of the room, including all doorways, fireplaces, and around any pipework. Read More

This is Step 9 – The Clean Up and Furniture Move, in our blog series of 10 Easy Steps to New Flooring. Be sure to check out the other detailed steps in the series (see links below).  This series is meant to help those new to The Carpet Guys Family understand the process of getting new flooring.  Let’s continue taking the guess work out of your flooring purchase…

The Clean Up

Once the flooring you carefully chose has been installed by our professional installation team, and all the transitions and moldings have been placed, it’s time to clean up our mess.  For a hard surface installation (hard surface includes laminate, luxury vinyl plank/tile, engineered hardwood or hardwood) the installer will have the remaining boxes stacked wherever you want them stored.  The installer will place any planks you don’t want in the garbage or haul them away.

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For a roll installation (rolls include carpet and sheet vinyl flooring) and you want to keep any remaining pieces, make sure to let your installer know before the installation, so they can roll it up and set it aside for you.  If you don’t want to keep any scraps, they will be hauled away or set at the curb.

The team will also clean up any cutting and installation tools they used.  This may include a table saw, extension cords, knives and blades, buckets of glue, seam iron, power stretcher, hammers, nail guns, etc.  Just a reminder, as you can see by the list of tools, flooring installation is a MAJOR home renovation.  This type of construction is not conducive to small children or pets.  Please keep your family safe by keeping them AWAY from installation materials and tools until the clean up is complete!

Dumpster for Clean Up

Sometimes, The Carpet Guys may decide you need to have a dumpster or other type of removal done.  If you want us to, we can schedule a dumpster delivery. We can also take care of the dumpster pickup.  Make sure to let your Design Consultant know that you want this done when he is preparing your contract.  There may be a fee associated with this service.

Vacuuming or Sweeping

Once the installation team has cleaned up the old debris and loose materials, they will either sweep with a broom, or vacuum your new flooring.  For a carpet installation, it’s important to vacuum. This helps pull up any loose fibers and return the carpet to it’s former plushness before being rolled for installation.  They will trim any fibers that sit above the pile, so your carpet looks uniform.

Return the Furniture

Now the installing crew will return any furniture that had to be moved to complete the installation.  Make sure that you are present when this clean up process happens. That way, you can make sure to get the pieces back exactly where you want them.  They may not be aware that your TV goes on that table and you need it pulled away from the wall to reconnect your cords.  Or that you put a lamp on the dresser, and you need it shifted to the left for plug access.  Again, make sure you have requested this service with your salesperson.  It’s important that any furniture moving is on your contract so we can send a crew large enough to safely move it.

If you’re interested in having The Carpet Guys take care of ALL your flooring needs, including the clean up, then Be Wise and call The Carpet Guys at 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or fill out our Free In-Home Estimate form. We can guide you through all the steps of getting your new floors!

1. Free Design Consultant
2. Measuring Your Space
3. Making Your Installation Appointment
4. The Installer Calls
5. Installation Preparation
6. Moving Your Furniture
7. Rip Up and Haul Away Old Flooring
8. The Installation

The post What to Expect from The Carpet Guys: Step 9 appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

Pets. They’re a loved part of our families.

If you have a pet in your home, you know the extra work that goes into keeping them safe and comfortable. It also takes extra work to ensure your home stays in good working condition.

Ever had a pet’s urine impact your flooring? Ever had water issues soak through to the subfloor?

Ever had to replace your carpet long before its time because of noticeable stains and smells?

If you’re trying to avoid pet problems as you install new carpet, one of your best courses of action is to invest in better carpet padding.

The purpose of carpet padding

The main purpose of carpet padding is to protect your carpet. The pad is a barrier – a cushion – between the fibers of the carpet above wearing against the material in the subfloor. It also helps with impact from heavy furniture or foot traffic as you walk across.

It’s up to your carpet pad to:

• Create a soft feel as you walk across.
• Create a more efficient way of cleaning your carpet. A proper pad will allow the vacuum to raise the carpet slightly, pulling dirt from the depths, which can cause allergic reactions.
• Create a barrier from the floor beneath to your room above. It’s the carpet pad that can help give a room warmth. Pay attention to the R-value of the carpet pad, which measures the pad’s ability to have heat passing through it.
• Create noise reduction. This is especially true between floor levels, when you want to keep sounds from upstairs flowing through to the floor below.

Carpet padding construction

In most cases, carpet padding is made from one of three materials.

Foam – there are three different types of foam used today in pad production. Prime polyurethane foam is created by combining two liquids, cut into sheets to form cushioned padding. This is what you’ll find in upholstered furniture and mattresses in addition to carpet padding. Bonded polyurethane foam is formed by combining shredded pieces of foam, and is a great recycled option. Froth polyurethane foam is directly applied to the back of some carpets, eliminating the process of laying both into place. This is especially useful in commercial applications.

Rubber – rubber carpet padding comes in two constructions. Waffle rubber is a soft, resilient pad that is often used in residential applications. Flat sponge rubber is a dense pad that is normally used in commercial settings.

Fiber – fiber padding uses existing fiber materials that are woven together into a felt sheet. You’ll find natural fibers made from jute or even animal hair, or synthetic fibers that include nylon, polyester, polypropylene, and acrylics. Synthetic fibers do well in all kinds of foot traffic applications.

What about waterproof padding?

When you’re out shopping for carpet, some flooring companies may recommend a moisture barrier padding to eliminate the worry of pet accidents on your carpet. But, do they work?

A moisture barrier padding is a carpet pad that has an extra layer designed to prevent liquids from passing through from the carpet to the padding and ultimately down to the subfloor. It also prevents the reverse from happening, from having liquid vapor rise from the base floor up through the padding and into the carpet fibers.

This type of carpet pad is designed to make moisture less of a problem. Instead of worrying about a stain setting in, the moisture barrier prevents liquid from moving down, impacting your subfloor. The protection makes it possible to blot the liquid away. It removes all traces of the liquid – the stain and the smell.

Does it work?

If you dump water directly on the padding, you’ll see that the water sits on top of the moisture barrier. It will work … if you use the product in the correct manner.

The problem is twofold.

First, the only way to ensure you receive all the benefits from moisture-resistant carpet padding is to ensure your carpet installer knows what they are doing. Even carpet installers who have been in the business for years can handle the product the wrong way if they are in a hurry or aren’t trained correctly. This is where relying on a high quality flooring company can ensure you purchase the right product and have it installed correctly.

Also, pay attention to changes as the material ages. Brand new carpet padding with a moisture barrier will hold the liquid on top and prevent it from seeping through. But the more you walk on it, the more the padding adjusts, the greater the chance of a crack forming in the material itself. When your pet urinates, most of the liquid will sit on top, giving you the chance to blot it away. Some might seep through the hole or crack – even just a trace amount – and that’s where your potential problems begin.

This small amount of liquid is now trapped under the moisture barrier, where it can pool and run in different directions along the subfloor.

It can sit there for weeks, months, without causing a problem. But when it does, it can impact a lot more than just your carpeting.

It can also work in reverse. The carpet padding may handle well from protecting urine from penetrating down through the material and into the subfloor. But if you use it in a basement, for example, moisture from the ground can settle in without a place to go. It sits and builds below the moisture barrier, causing additional problems.

Look for high quality products

If you’re looking to avoid pet problems with your carpet down the road, it’s a good idea to start with better carpet padding from the moment you install it.

Go with a brand name you can trust – one that has stood the test of time. We carry several top rated brands that we will gladly recommend to you.

Stainmaster, for example, has a PetProtect carpet and padding system that can help your carpet look good and handle well in all kinds of situations. This product uses the moisture barrier to lock moisture away from penetrating down into the fibers, making it easier to clean. It’s also designed to reduce the smell that can sometimes occur, especially with repeat problems.

If you’re in the market for new carpeting, don’t ignore what you place underneath your carpets. Investigate what goes underneath your carpets too.

Have further questions? We’re just a phone call away.

The post Trying To Avoid Pet Problems? Invest In Better Carpet Padding first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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You have your hardwood floors installed. Now it’s time to add an area rug.

Where do you start?

If you’re like most homeowners, it starts with size and color. You measure your space, determine the size you need, and start to shop. You’ll find area rugs in every color – blue, green, red – and every pattern you can imagine. Whether you have something plain in mind, or want wild with a pop of color, you can find what you’re looking for with a thorough search.

But what you may not look for can actually affect longevity of your area rug. If you don’t pay attention to the backing, edging, and padding of your area rug, it can make you have buyer’s remorse sooner rather than later.

Edging options for area rugs

Most area rugs need a finish around the edges to prevent them from fraying or unraveling. This isn’t a one size fits all process. You’ll find many different options.

A standard edging is most common, and is often used on a variety of broadloom carpets. It’s also the least expensive, which is why you’ll see this most frequently on area rugs. It’s designed to blend in rather than call attention to it.

A serging binding edge is created with yarn stitches over the binding itself. It’s also designed to blend in with the rug, and not call attention to the finishing work.

3 to 5 inch binding is often used to add a decorative touch to the rug itself. Depending on color, it can blend in or coordinate and stand out. You’ll find three-inch binding used on lower pile, with the five-inch on low to medium carpet options.

Backing options for area rugs

Flip your area rug over and you’ll find the backing is created in different ways. Depending on performance requirements, backing is created from a variety of different fiber options.

Many area rugs use an attached non-slip rubber backing for safety. This non-slip backing is glued into place and installed so that the rug cannot move once it’s laid into place over a hard surface. This option doesn’t add cushion to the rug, but it does add protection for the hard floor surface area, as well as ensure that the rug won’t move once you set it into place.

Other area rugs add an attached felt pad that ensures the fibers from the rug material won’t harm the flooring underneath in any way. This is an inexpensive way for manufacturers to bind the fibers together, as well as ensure they won’t damage flooring. If you will be laying an area rug over carpet, this is the best way to go.

Of course, what type of backing is used is determined by the manufacturer. You’ll often find different fibers in place to offer you more benefits and options. Felt backing can be hypoallergenic and be made from sustainably sourced materials. This can be a good option if you’re looking for ways to decrease your carbon footprint. Latex backings can increase wearability, and offer non-slip qualities you need for your home. This makes accessing your needs carefully a requirement before you start shopping for your area rug.

Rug padding or underlayment options

While the edging and backing are a part of the area rug selection, the rug padding or underlayment you choose are optional and dependent on your needs. A rug pad is the material that rests between the surface of your floor and the backing of the area rug. It’s an extra layer of material that helps you increase safety and prevents tripping or falling if the rug shifts and moves. It’s a cushion for your feet as well as protection for your area rug, so it’s important to spend some time selecting the right one.

Do you need a rug pad? 

If you place an area rug in your home, it’s beneficial to have a rug pad in place. Why?

• Rug pads increase your safety, ensuring the rug stays in place
• Rug pads add comfort, giving your area rug more wearability
• Rug pads protect the flooring from scratches from furniture legs and movement
• Rug pads add protection to the rug itself, helping it last longer and maintain its shape better
• Rug pads help you clean, preventing movement every time you vacuum your rug
• Rug pads reduce friction and movement between the fibers of the rug and your floor

Are you sold on an area rug pad? Now the question is: Which one?

Choosing a rug pad

You’ll find rug pads or underlayments in several styles.

Grip only pads are the thinnest on the market. They are great for outdoor space because they won’t be impacted by moisture. They also work well in high-traffic areas because they add a lower profile to the finish. That means your doors will swing without a problem, and you’ll reduce the possibility of tripping.

Cushioned pads add softness to the area rug. That makes this the perfect choice in rooms where your family will hang out. Use them in bedrooms or playrooms where your kids are often lying on the floor. These are also good in family rooms and other main floor areas where you want to mute the sound and bring down the noise factor.

Grip and cushion pads combine the benefits of both into one rug pad. You’ll receive just the right amount of grip to keep the area rug in place, while also adding warmth and comfort at the same time. Keep in mind that with many pads, you can customize them and cut them to fit into place.

What other options do you need?

We realize homeowners have designed their homes to be unique, adding just the right personality to please. What are you looking for in an area rug? What questions can we answer for you?

Whether you’re just starting the looking process, or are ready to narrow down your selections and buy, we can help you find the perfect area rug for your home. One you’ll love for years to come.

The post A Guide To Backing, Edging, and Padding For Your Area Rug first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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Thinking about your next hardwood flooring project? If you spent January dreaming about hardwood flooring, February means it’s time to act. You may have heard myths about your hardwood flooring choices. Here are five myths about hardwood flooring that aren’t true.

Hardwood Flooring Myths

First, there are a lot of people who believe that hardwood floors are high maintenance. In fact, hardwood floors are easier to maintain than carpeted floors are, especially in high traffic areas where pets abound. Usually, hardwood floors only require sweeping and dust mopping, while carpeted floors require daily vacuuming and sometimes steaming to keep them clean.

Second, you may think that hardwood floors are easy to scratch. While some varieties of hardwoods can scratch easily, many hardwood floors, such as oak, are scratch resistant. In fact, oak flooring resists scratches from dog paws or dropped objects such as a pan. Also, hardwood floors are no more susceptible to pets than any other type of flooring. We recommend that you house train your dogs before you let them loose anywhere in your house, including your hardwood floors.

You may have heard that hardwood floors can’t be used in the kitchen. If you are worried about water damage, you may want to try engineered hardwoods, which are water resistant. Engineered hardwood floors contain layers of hardwood interspersed with plywood. This makes them more durable, and more environmentally friendly, since recycled wood is often used in engineered hardwoods. These hardwood floors are also less expensive than traditional floors, which means that are easier to afford if you are on a budget.

When you are ready to talk about your next hardwood flooring project, we hope you’ll think of us. You can give Flooring.org a call at 800-689-9006!

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

If you have decided to have a Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) floor, then you will more than likely need some vinyl flooring accessories to go along side the flooring.  Whether the accessories are to help you to fit the floor, add the finishing touches or help you to keep the floor clean once it is installed, we have everything you may need. Read More

The Carpet Guys have been in the flooring business for over 10 years.  As experts in the field, we frequently get asked all types of flooring questions.  But the things people don’t ask are often the most important questions that need answers.  We want to help you understand if bed bugs can live in carpet.

What is a Bed Bug?

A bed bug is a small, flat, reddish-brown insect that feeds on human and animal blood.  They may get their name because they tend to hide in crevices of bed frames, box springs, headboards, etc.  These tiny critters tend to come out only to feed.  They move slowly so they need to stay near their food source.  When they feed, they can leave a small, itchy bump like a mosquito bite.

How to Tell if You Have Bed Bugs

As expected, because they’re so small, it’s very difficult to figure out if you have bed bugs if you’re not a professional.  The most obvious sign is the marks they leave on the persons body after feeding.  Often it’s a line or cluster of small, itchy bumps on the skin.  Next, you can look for excrement left behind.  These would be tiny dark spots that look like dried blood on sheets, the bed frame, flooring, etc. (see image).

Can Bed Bugs Live in my Carpet?

Unfortunately, bed bugs can live in your carpet, especially if it is a shaggy style.  Since they are approximately the size of an apple seed, it’s easy for them to tuck between the fibers. If you have hard surface flooring installed in your home make sure you use rugs that are washable in hot water.  If you prefer carpet, get a dense, tightly woven carpet style.  It will be more difficult for insects to get between the fibers.  To learn more about carpet density check out our blog “How to Choose a Cozy Carpet”.  And be sure to vacuum regularly with a HEPA filtered vacuum.

If you suspect you may already have an infestation, we recommend contacting a local pest control company to exterminate professionally before having your flooring replaced.  They will give you a certificate that you can provide to your flooring sales representative.  And we carry all the best hard surface (laminate, LVP/LVT, sheet vinyl, engineered hardwood and hardwood) and high-density carpets to help protect your family.

If you want to be proactive and have your flooring replaced with a type of hard surface flooring or tightly woven carpet, The Carpet Guys have a wide range of options to choose from.  We can send a Design Consultant to your home to help you decide which flooring option would be best for your home and budget.  Call now 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897) or fill out our Free In-Home Estimate form and we will get your new flooring installed! 

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