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Should you go with an oak or walnut?

Should you select a warm or cool tone?

How about color, true color, white or black?

Just when you think you’ve made a major decision and are ready to install your new hardwood flooring, the choices get even tougher. Hardwood isn’t one size fits all. You won’t walk into the store and find one choice waiting for you.

Instead, you can peruse aisle after aisle of choices, with confusion mounting the more research you do. One resource will tell you to avoid dark hardwood. You’ll hate that it shows every crumb dropped to the floor. The next says stay away from light hardwood. You’ll see every mess more, and you’ll worry constantly about staining.

Which is true? What should you believe? Let’s dive in and help you decide the right color hardwood floor for your needs.

What determines color

You might think the color of the hardwood is easy to come by. The manufacturer selects a color and that’s what you’ll see. It’s not as easy as that.

The final color you see is determined by two factors:

1. The grain of the wood

2. The finish or stain applied to the wood

When you head out into nature, it’s easy to see that different trees have different characteristics. Pine trees grow tall, with needles remaining intact all year long. A maple has a distinctive shape with large leaves that turn brilliant colors in the fall.

No one would argue that all trees are alike – they each have distinctive looks as they grow.

It’s the same when they are harvested. Every wood produces different characteristics as plank wood you install in your home.

With so many different types of trees, it’s no wonder there are equally as impressive amounts of options when you visit your hardwood flooring dealer.

Red elm will naturally be darker than red oak. White pine will be lighter than white oak. Want darker? Go with a mahogany. Want close to black? A Brazillian ebony may just do the trick.

These different hardwoods naturally take on different shades and tones. They absorb finish and stain differently and will ultimately give you different results, depending on your final choice.

But there’s another variable too. Grain patterns allow each hardwood type to accept surface treatments differently. They absorb stain in unique ways, and provide final patterns based on its core design elements. You can work harder to change the color, but why not let that natural beauty shine through!

Let undertones shine through

Have you ever stood in front of a paint selection in a big box store mesmerized by the varying colors of paint? Want white paint – it’s not that easy. Do you want grey undertones? Or how about a shade of red? Maybe yellow to warm up the place, or blue undertones to create a sense of coolness.

Hardwood works in the same manner. You can change the look of the hardwood based on the type of stain and finish you apply. Designers will often warn you to stay away from drastic color tones. If you apply a wood finish that moves too far into the orange or red tones, for example, it can feel dated over time.

But that doesn’t take into account your preferences, your aesthetics, or your decor. Trends should always take a backseat to your design style. Ever walked into a home that breaks all the rules … and it works? That’s because the homeowner has a strong sense of personality and designs around things they love.

If you’re drawn to a specific tonal quality, go for it. Just be sure it works with your furnishings, and it fits your personality for years to come.

And then there’s upkeep

There are two factors that matter in upkeep:

• The hardness of the wood
• The color of the wood

Where are you installing hardwood? In the bedroom? Throughout your home? Will it be in entryways and hallways? In an area where you frequently throw parties?

Harder woods do better in high traffic situations where they will face a daily barrage of activity. Oak, for example, is a common addition to homes because it handles well in many different situations. That’s also why you’ll find hardwood like walnut in home office space and bedrooms, because it’s better suited for lower traffic situations.

We also receive a lot of questions about installing a dark hardwood. “Will it be difficult to keep clean?” Dark flooring will be less forgiving with the spills your family creates. And as your dog sheds, you’ll be more likely to see those little furballs accumulate in the corners.

But don’t think the Scandinavian-style light wood floors are easier. It, too, will showcase more of the messes your family creates. You’ll have a more regular schedule for sweeping up the messes and scrubbing those little mistakes off the floor. But if a few minutes of cleaning every day isn’t a bother for you, then these light-colored floors may be the perfect installation for your needs.

Think about your needs

Before you commit to anything, bring home samples and swatches and see how it lights up your room. Lay those samples down in the middle of your room and watch them for several days. How does it look in the morning light? How about in the evening? What does natural light do for the color? How does it look when you switch on your lamps?

You can also see how each sample plays out with your decor. Do you prefer an undertone of red, or do you prefer the cooler tones of blue? If you’ve already selected your wall paint, be sure you match the tone with your hardwood flooring selection. Your home will feel “off” if one has warm undertones, while the other has cool.

Need a little help? That’s what we’re here for. While you won’t find decorating help at your local big box store, when you visit our flooring experts here, we can help answer every question you have about installing your new hardwood floors.

What questions do you have about choosing the right color hardwood floors? 

The post How Do You Choose The Right Color Hardwood Floor? first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

Laminate wood flooring is a wonderful option for your home. Flooring.org suggests that consumers look into selecting laminate wood flooring due to the benefits it provides. Although it mimics the look of actual wood, it does not need the attention that real wood demands to maintain its beauty. A few of the perks it offers is that it is strong, reasonably priced, and available in an impressive spectrum of styles.

The average lifespan of laminate wood flooring depends upon the amount of wear and tear from everyday usage in a particular room. Essentially, your flooring will last anywhere from 10 to 30 years based on its foot-traffic. The grade of the material is taken into consideration as well.

What could be better than the appearance and even the sound of real wood minus the expense? Laminate has many finishes from which you can make your selection. Whether your personal preference is high-gloss, whitewashed, embossed, or any of the other marvelous finishes, the choice is all yours! You can have spectacular flooring without breaking the bank!

Walking on laminate flooring is more comfortable than it was in the past. The material is constructed with a slight flexibility to it. It also has some grip-ability to the texture making it much less slippery.

Laminate is ideal for rooms that contain apparatus for water such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. It does not damage as easily as real wood when coming into contact with water. As long as an underfelt is installed beneath the planks, the laminate is protected from marginally wet and moisture-inclined areas. Plus, water will not cause the warping of laminate to the degree of actual wood.

Noise can be reduced significantly by the presence of an underfelt. It acts as a cushion, lessening clatter resulting from two opposing facets as well as other noises such as squeaks and echoes.

Another fantastic feature about laminate wood flooring is that it resists most scuffs, scratches, and stains. This is very desirable for homes that have children, pets, and/or endure a lot of traffic on a regular basis.

Kindly visit Flooring.org and browse our stunning choices of laminate wood flooring. We supply seemingly endless styles, finishes, color schemes, and designs for even the choosiest of patrons. We offer extraordinary products at affordable prices. Please feel free to contact us at 800-689-9006. It is our pleasure furnishing you with all your flooring needs.

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

Are you looking to replace existing flooring in your residential or commercial space? After extensive research, are you leaning towards luxury vinyl planks – LVP? Great choice. There are many reasons to consider this product for your next project.

1. What is LVP and why should I consider installing it?

Where did you start researching your new flooring? For most, it’s a combination of:

• Seeing what your neighbors are installing in their remodeling projects
• Looking through websites and television shows to see what’s popular
• Discovering flooring options as you wind through the aisles of your favorite big box store

If you’ve done even just one of the three, chances are you’ve come across LVP. It’s trending as a great alternative to traditional hardwood floors because it adds several characteristics not available with hardwood. It’s easy to install, making it a great do-it-yourself project. It’s waterproof – yes, waterproof. And it’s hard to ignore the cost.

2. What should I pay attention to when making my final selection?

Let’s talk about the LVP flooring wear layer.

When luxury vinyl planks are created, they are designed with several layers. There is the base, or core layer for strength and endurance. You’ll have the print layer that gives LVP its classic good looks. You’ll also have a wear layer, which gives added protection between the printed design of the vinyl plank and the finish that goes on the very top.  This is what protects your floors from things like scuffs, scratches, and dents. Choose wisely and you’ll ensure longevity for your flooring choice.

You’ll find the planks will be listed and sold with a mil thickness level. Don’t mistake this for millimeters. In general, the higher the mil level, the more durable the wear layer will be on your LVP.

With standard residential spaces, we recommend selecting 12-mil or thicker. High traffic spaces will do better with a 20-mil or thicker level plank. And if you’re installing this in commercial spaces, move to the 28-mil or thicker level. Remember, these are guidelines. When we chat about your project, we’re happy to make suggestions based on what we’ve seen in the past. We have experience with multiple manufacturers and varying product lines, and understand what products handle best in different situations.

3. What about longevity – how long will LVP last?

When you’re installing a new flooring, looks may be what you focus on in the beginning. But very quickly, your thoughts will turn to longevity. Installing new flooring isn’t something you want to do frequently. The longer the product can exist within your space and look good in the process, the better.

Luxury vinyl is a highly durable product. If you install it correctly and maintain it over time, you can easily expect to get ten to twenty years of life. Depending on the manufacturer you select, you may even find warranties up to 15 years, protecting you from problems that might come from the wear layer.

Of course, results may vary. That’s why it’s important to be honest with yourself about your expectations. LVP is a great resource for the high traffic areas you spend most of your time. LVP is growing in popularity in living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens. Plus the waterproof feature means you can extend the look beyond and into your bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements. That’s one of its greatest benefits – you can keep the same product in every room in your home if you choose.

4. Let’s talk about style – will LVP really give me the look of hardwood?

When you start looking at LVP, you’ll discover there are three different categories of vinyl plank flooring.

The first is LVP. These vinyl planks are created with a rigid construction that is durable and higher quality than the typical vinyl flooring products you might be used to. The focus on this product line comes with its rigid construction. These planks can stand up to much of the abuse your family can dish out. Have pets, kids, and high traffic rooms? Not a problem. They are built with multiple layers that stand up over time.

The second is waterproof planks, sometimes listed as WPC vinyl flooring. This product is 100 percent waterproof and can be installed basically anywhere inside your home. Worried about your basement? Not a problem. Have an imperfect subfloor or one made of concrete that has caused problems in the past? Install it and love it. This product typically has four-layer construction that includes a waterproof core. When installed correctly, it can give you a base you’ll spend less time worrying about and more time loving.

Third is rigid core vinyl planks, sometimes sold as SPC vinyl flooring. These can also be 100 percent waterproof. The difference is in composition. Rigid core vinyl flooring has a stone-plastic composite core that is practically indestructible. That elevates this product and makes it installable in high traffic areas, even commercial locations, and stands up well over time.

5. What other options are there? Does it just mimic hardwood?

Just by the description, you can see that LVP makes the perfect addition to your home because of how closely it resembles hardwood. If there’s a color you’ve been dreaming of, you’ll find it. If you want exotic wood without exotic prices, you’ll find that too.

But LVP isn’t just for hardwood. You’ll find stone-look flooring products that resemble ceramic plank flooring too. Concrete, travertine, and slate are growing in popularity in the LVP product lines. It produces a unique look that may be the perfect choice for your home.

6. What about installation? Should I attempt this myself?

Does the thought of installing hardwood sound difficult and tedious? It can be. You want to ensure hardwood planks are installed correctly to avoid common problems such as warping and cupping. Install it incorrectly, and you may void the warranty too.

But with LVP, its interlocking installation uses a tongue and groove method of installation that makes it easy to install. Want a do-it-yourself project? Look no further than LVP. It’s a great way to add high quality products to any remodeling project, no matter what budget you have in mind.

7. Why go with a flooring dealer instead of a big box store?

If you’ve looked at your local big box store, chances are you’ve seen a small selection of what’s available on the market today. Why not just shop there – the price fits your needs?

Bog box stores buy on margin. They have specific price points they purchase at, and often the manufacturers design products exclusively for their needs. Are they the best products available? Well …

Flooring companies buy differently. If you’ve been afraid the prices will skyrocket because we specialize in flooring, stop. We have every end of the spectrum, and can often match or beat the prices you’ll find at those stores.

Plus you’ll get a fuller array of products, higher quality service, and better knowledge on what you’re installing. Really, it’s a win/win all the way around.

What are you waiting for? Stop by today.

The post 7 Questions To Ask Before Buying LVP For Your Home first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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

thenIt’s 2021! Forget new year, new me. What about new year, new home? If you need some interior and flooring inspiration, or just want to try out a new trend, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ll be looking at some of this year’s interior and flooring trends to give you some inspiration when it comes to a renovation. 

1. The Neutral minimalist – This look incorporates natural earthy tones, and thrives off natural light. Minimal furnishing and accessories coupled with a light coloured wood flooring finish off this look.
2. Herringbone flooring – This style of flooring is available in a range of different types of wood to suit different budgets. It sees the planks positioned in a zig-zag pattern, in a timeless design. 
3. Eco Chic – Using recycled materials to furnish your rooms can add more meaning to your home, providing you with not only an on trend style but a connection to sustainability 
4. Cottage Core – Romanticizing the idea of a self-sufficient life. It sees the combination of agriculture, and traditional ways of living such as baking, pottery and crafts incorporated as a design feature. 
5. Navy Colour – The result of a combination of deep blue and navy, this naval colour trend has seen a rise in kitchens in particular. 

 

1. The Neutral Minimalist – Interior Trend

 

You must have seen an abundance of beautifully styled rooms featuring pampas grass filling your Instagram and Pinterest feeds already this year, and we know you’re not mad about it. 

 

This 2021 interior trend strips back to minimal furniture, accessories and colours, to create a comfortable light and airy space in your home

 

 

To achieve this look, opt for warm earthy tones when considering paints. Light shades of browns, beiges and white are all great choices when it comes to brightening up your space. 

These shades of colour on the wall will also compliment any light wood accessories and natural elements such as pampas grass that you wish to incorporate into your design. 

 

Rattan furniture is a popular style when aiming for the neutral minimalist interior trend. Rattan furniture is usually made from harvested palms. Because of this, the natural colours, tones and textures this provides when a piece of furniture is created, it makes the perfect addition to a neutral decor. 

 

Chairs, sideboards, coffee tables and dining tables are all common pieces found within this aesthetic. 

 

Flooring to Complement this Trend

 

When it comes to choosing the perfect flooring to fit your design, continuing with the lighter wooden tones is our suggestion. Of course opting for a colour still gives you free reign of a flooring type: Laminate, EvoCore, Engineered Wood, LVT and Solid Wood all offer a selection of lighter coloured flooring. 

 

Loft Light Sand Oak Laminate	EvoCore Essentials Natural Almond Oak	Trade Select 12mm x 127mm Gelato Oak	Classic Herringbone Natural Oak LVT	Park Avenue Herringbone Frosted Oak Solid Wood
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Make sure that when choosing the perfect flooring, that you consider both your budget and room suitability. This will help you narrow down your choices, for you to then focus on which lighter toned flooring you prefer.

 

Top Tip: For more visually appealing results, a real wood flooring offering natural grains and knots throughout its design can help tie together the aesthetic as a whole, adding to the other natural textures within the room.

 

And there you have the neutral minimalist interior trend and how to achieve it. Love this look as much as we do? We thought you might! Our next trend is a 2021 flooring trend you will not want to miss!

 

2. Herringbone – Interior and Flooring Trend

 

We know you’re probably thinking you’ve seen quite a lot of this trend already. And you’re right. The herringbone interior and flooring trend began to soar into 2020 and is continuing to do so in 2021!

 

This parquet design sees a traditional styling of the flooring planks being positioned in a zig-zag pattern that is repeated, filling your room. 

 

This timeless design is available in a range of colours to suit your aesthetic, and flooring types to suit your needs and budget. Let’s take a look at some of these:

 

Herringbone Laminate

 

First let’s take a look at the Laminate option. Herringbone Laminate is a popular choice at the minute, offering that affluent parquet design at an affordable price. 

 

Not only that, as Laminate designs are printed within one of its four layers of its composition, there are a multitude of stunning colour and style options available to suit your taste.

 

This flooring option has a range of other practical benefits too. Laminate flooring is renowned for its practicality within the home.

 

• Easy to maintain
• Highly scratch-resistance 
• Durable and hard wearing
• Easy to install
• High impact resistance 
• Pet friendly
• Child friendly
• Long lasting

 

Laminate makes for a great option whether you’re looking for a flooring to meet the demands of a busy family home, or you’re just wanting a beautiful design for a fraction of the cost of Solid or Engineered Wood. There is something for you.

 

Herringbone Laminate Best Sellers

 

Herringbone – Pearl Oak Laminate	Vintage Chateau Herringbone – Antique Brown Laminate	Herringbone – Bayside Oak Laminate
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You can see why this flooring trend has really taken off!

 

Herringbone LVT

 

Another great option when it comes to choosing the type of flooring you’re wanting your herringbone design to reside in, is LVT. 

 

LVT is another amazing choice when it comes to flooring types. It is one of the most durable flooring materials out there whilst allowing you to achieve your interior dream with its stunning range of designs.

 

Herringbone Light Grey Oak LVT

 

LVT is a robust alternative to Solid or Engineered wood, still providing the luxurious wood effect that many desire, at a more budget friendly price. 

 

This flooring is extremely versatile and has made itself a stand-out performer in the flooring market. Which is why there is no surprise it is now available in the style of one of the latest flooring trends: Herringbone.

 

Let’s take a look at what makes this flooring so popular and versatile:

 

• Durable and hard wearing
• Affordable price
• Waterproof
• Slip resistant
• Adds warmth underfoot
• Insulates sound
• Easy to maintain
• Beautifully replicates real wood 
• Easy to install
• Long lifespan

 

As you can see, from its host of benefits, it is clear why this option is a great contender when it comes to flooring types. These practical benefits combined with the stunning Herringbone design options, is what makes this flooring a great choice in line with 2021 interior and flooring trends.

 

Herringbone LVT Best Sellers

 

Classic Herringbone – Washed Grey Oak LVT	Classic Herringbone – Country Oak LVT	Classic Herringbone – Ebony LVT
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Another fantastic choice when it comes to choosing the perfect flooring type for your herringbone design, right?

 

Herringbone Solid Wood

 

Solid Wood is also an option you have when it comes to choosing the flooring type you are wanting your Herringbone design in. 

 

Solid wood gives that added touch of elegance, exposing stunning natural grains and knots throughout the planks. 

 

Solid Wood flooring is undoubtedly a beautiful choice, and an enhanced option for this 2021 flooring trend. Along with this, it offers a whole host of other benefits too:

 

• Adds value to your home
• Highly durable
• Can be sanded down and refinished
• Long lifespan
• Adds warmth
• Easy to maintain

 

Whilst this flooring trend may be a bit more pricey, it is the practical option when it comes to a flooring that will stand the test of time whilst looking amazing.

 

Herringbone Solid Wood Best Sellers

 

Unfinished Parquet Solid Wood	Unfinished Luxury Parquet Oak Solid Wood	Luxury Parquet Brown Oiled Solid Wood
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Herringbone Engineered Wood

 

The last flooring type we’ll look at for this impeccable parquet design is Engineered Wood. Similar to Solid Wood, Engineered Wood is slightly higher up the scale where budget is concerned. 

 

However, this is with good reason. A beautiful addition to any home replicating solid wood designs. It has a real wood top layer so you’re getting all the natural elements that gives wood flooring it’s reputable charm. 

 

Branscombe Natural Coastal Engineered Wood

Engineered Wood flooring is not only aesthetically pleasing, owning its natural appearance, fitting with a multitude of aesthetics, it proudly offers a wide range of benefits. 

 

• Has a real layer of wood
• Difficult to tell apart from solid wood
• More resistant to temperature fluctuations
• Compatible with underfloor heating
• Highly durable and hardwearing
• Easy to maintain
• Available in stunning designs

 

Herringbone Engineered Wood Best Sellers

 

Oxford Herringbone Golden Smoked Oak Engineered Wood	Oxford Herringbone Vintage Oak Engineered Wood	Branscombe Whitewashed Coastal Herringbone Engineered Wood
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So there we have another 2021 flooring trend that is undeniably stunning and one to look out for! We don’t think this one will be going anywhere any time soon. 

 

3. Eco Chic – Interior Trend

 

Next up on the list is a sustainable trend that has taken 2021 by storm! Introducing: Eco Chic!

 

Eco Chic refers to using recycled materials to furnish your rooms and can add more meaning to your home, providing you with not only an on trend style but a connection to sustainability. 

 

This interior trend has seen a peak due to a global recognition and acceptance of environmental issues that need to be rectified. In light of this, this trend has been widely adopted with many upcycling furniture, and purchasing products that are made from recyclable materials or can be fully recycled once they’re finished with the product. 

 

This not only applies to your furniture items but your flooring too! The EvoCore range is 100% recyclable, with the 360 range being made from 80% recycled materials, and the Nature range having an in-built cork backing – adding that extra element of sustainability. 

 

EvoCore 360 – Best Sellers

 

EvoCore 360 Harvest Mouse Oak	EvoCore 360 Tudor Oak	EvoCore 360 Tiles Light Cloud
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EvoCore Nature – Best Sellers

 

EvoCore Nature Antique Oak	EvoCore Nature Glacier Oak	EvoCore Nature Golden Oak
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And there we have the Eco Chic interior trend. This is perfect for the eco-conscious who want to create their dream aesthetic whilst having a positive effect on the environment. Amazing right?

 

4. Cottage Core – Interior Trend

 

Cottage Core is the next interior design we’ll look at. This trend incorporates the idea of a self-sufficient life. It sees the combination of agriculture, and traditional ways of living such as baking, pottery and crafts incorporated as a design feature.

 

This interior trend encourages a retrospective way of living, throwing back to a simpler time.

 

Rustic interiors, upcycled furniture, plant life, the use of open fires in your design, and incorporating natural materials is a great way of achieving this look. 

 

 

Flooring to Match This Trend

 

Given the organic nature of this interior trend, adding an element of wood is a great way to commit to the full aesthetic. You can introduce this via your flooring. 

 

A rustic appearance that comes with using wood flooring would make a great addition to the Cottage Core trend. Natural grains and knots that give wood flooring the charm it possesses, can elevate the essence of Cottage Core, adding more depth to the embracing of nature. 

 

Deluxe Georgian Oak Solid Wood	Classic Espresso Oak Solid Wood	Deluxe Cinnamon Oak Solid Wood
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Loving this 2021 interior trend? We’re not surprised! Start your 2021 transformation today with Cottage Core.

 

5. Navy Blue – Interior Trend

 

Last but certainly not least of designs among our interior and flooring trends for 2021 is the navy blue trend. The navy trend is the result of a combination of deep blue and navy shade incorporated into your home. This year, the naval colour trend has seen a rise in kitchens in particular. 

 

This use of navy blue in this interior trend provides a calming vibe, also adding warmth and depth, working as an alternative to darker colours such as grey or black. 

 

The placement of the colour can be fluid, with the ability to use this navy tone on walls, accessories and furnishings. 

 

There are multiple contrasting colours that fit with this design, white being one of them. However, for those who want to live their life in colour. Adding a mustard shade in soft furnishings and accessories is  a great way of adding a burst of colour and personality.

 

Flooring to Match This Trend

 

Where flooring is concerned, your options are unlimited as you are working with a fairly forgiving shade when it comes to matching it with your floor.

 

Lighter Flooring Options to Match This Trend

 

Loft Sand Light Oak Laminate	EvoCore Premium Arctic Oak	Studio Vanilla Brushed Oak Engineered Wood
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Darker Flooring Options to Match This Trend

 

Villa Harbour Oak Laminate	EvoCore Origins Bear	Loft Vintage Oak Engineered Wood
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Depending on whether you’re looking to contrast the darker tones within the navy and brighten up your space with a lighter flooring, or embrace the darker calming essence this interior trend provides. Your flooring options aren’t limited. 

 

 

All that’s left for you to do is decide your budget and vibe and narrow down your options. 

 

And there we have it! Some of our favourite interior and flooring trends for 2021. So if you’re planning on updating your home, then hopefully some of these trends have offered you a touch of inspiration when it comes to deciding on your interior and flooring trends. 

 

If you have any questions regarding flooring, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our flooring experts who will be more than happy to assist you. 

The post 5 Interior and Flooring Trends for 2021  appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

Of course grey flooring is still in fashion.  Beside the traditional oak colour of golden tones, grey flooring is the next most popular choice. It offers a fresh, calm and clean appearance and complements most modern interiors.  As the popularity has increased over the years, so has the range of styles and colour choices of grey floors.  You will find a wide range of different types, styles and shades of grey to choose from.  Here are some of our favourites: Read More

And the Top 5 Ways to Support Them

It’s always been a good idea to support local businesses.  Now, during these uncertain times coming out of a pandemic, it’s even more meaningful to support local businesses.  As a local southeast Michigan company ourselves, The Carpet Guys want to help our customers understand why local businesses are important.

The Why for Supporting Local Business

The Carpet Guys are located in South East Michigan.  When customers purchase from our business, either for flooring services or just to purchase a remnant, they are supporting more than just a company!  By purchasing our U.S. manufactured flooring, your money stays in our country.  All our installers, Design Consultants and employees, live and work in the local communities.  We spend our earnings with other local businesses and are invested in the well-being of our communities and their futures. Also, our owner, Joe Zago is an advocate of giving back to local charities that support those in need in our local communities.  And when you support local businesses like The Carpet Guys, they have a smaller carbon footprint on our fading environment.

The How for Supporting Local Business

These are just a few of the most important reasons we believe you should support local businesses.  But one of the hardest things to figure out is HOW can we support each other?

1. Purchase food and supplies that are grown or made in your local communities. Look for restaurants that purchase locally or try shopping at a local farm
2. Understandably, it’s easy to walk into a big box chain like Home Depot or Walmart to do your shopping.  Consider shopping at a small nursery where the plants are grown in your area. Try a hardware store where the customer services is always ready to help or “mom & pop” grocery store.
3. When you know that special gift you want to give your child or a loved one, search it on the internet to see if it is available in the area you live.  Or, support the small business sellers on Amazon by searching your item but then leaving Amazon and going directly to their site to purchase your product.
4. Visit a local restaurant, not a chain.  Local restaurants are more likely to be supporting local businesses than national chains.  It’s estimated twice as much of your dollar (up to 88%) spent at a local restaurants stays within the community.
5. If you own a small business in Michigan, think about advertising with The Glove.  Or look for advertising in your local area.  These advertisers understand the needs of their local communities and can help you advertise to those needs!

The Carpet Guys support local in every way possible!  We even have other local home improvement companies we would recommend. This gets you away from sending our money to big box chains.  Check out Basement Waterproofing of Michigan, Majestic Home Solutions or 1-800-PAINTERS

For all your new flooring needs, don’t hesitate to call 855-4-MY-GUYS (855-469-4897). You can also set up your Free In-Home Estimate online and we will send our showroom to your door.  Thank you for supporting us and all your local businesses!

The post Why Local Businesses are Important: appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

Water. It’s not something we think much about here in Colorado.

When hurricanes ravage coastal communities, or large storms dump record-breaking amounts of water in a community in short periods of time, we may be grateful for our dry climate. Even river damage isn’t a big deal for most homeowners across the Front Range.

But that doesn’t make homes immune from potential damage from a flood.

Many homeowners have walked into their homes and found several inches of standing water. If a pipe freezes and breaks, the water can quickly build. If a dishwasher breaks, water will flood everywhere. Even a simple bucket of water that leaks over time can do extensive damage.

While certain types of flooring fare better than others to water, hardwood can be impacted quickly. If you have hopes of saving your hardwood, speed is key.

What you do in the first twenty-four hours is critical. The longer water stands on hardwood surfaces, the worse the damage will be.

It’s more than water removal. It’s also about proper drying. Only if the hardwood remains intact can you sand them down and refinish them. How do you approach water removal? How do you save hardwood flooring after a flood?

What happens to hardwood as it absorbs water?

Your hardwood floors can get wet from a variety of situations. A leaky toilet. The dog carrying in rain and snow from outdoors. A broken water heater. An overflowing bathtub. A high water table that forces water into your crawl space or basement.

Wood naturally absorbs water. Think of how your trees work outside in your landscaping. A tree soaks up water to live and thrive. It carries that quality even after it’s processed because of its natural fibers and material. When wood gets wet, it soaks in the moisture and starts to expand. With too much water, it eventually starts to warp or cup as it presses up against other planks in the floor.

While your hardwood floor planks come finished, and will take time to absorb the water, depending on how your flooring was installed determines how quickly the water filters through the cracks between the planks. And as it soaks down, it starts impacting other parts of your flooring. The sub-floor. Even deep down into the base of your home’s structure. Water can easily move along joints and connections, snaking over large areas rapidly. What started as a small leak can quickly escalate and impact large areas of your home.

The quicker you remove the problem, the more likely you are to save your flooring. It’s not just the wood, it can be potential mold and mildew problems too. Mold can start forming in as little as 48 hours. And once it takes hold, it can grow steadily throughout the structure of your home.

Just a quick note about insurance

Whether or not your insurance will cover your damage depends on the type of insurance plan you have. Overall, less than 20 percent of homeowners have flood coverage. Especially here in Colorado, it’s not something most homeowners consider. That means if water enters from outside, your insurance probably won’t cover the damage.

If, however, the water damage came from within – a frozen pipe or a broken water heater – there is a good chance you have coverage. Be sure to speak with your insurance agent before you proceed with work.

Steps to take for removing water and repairing the damage caused by the flood

Step 1: Stop the problem at the source

Before you start assessing, it’s important to find the root cause of the problem. If the flood is coming from inside your home, find the shutoff valve and stop the water from flowing. Each major appliance should have its own shutoff valve. Or you can find the water main valve and turn off the water that feeds into your home.

Step 2: Remove all wet items

Clutter and personal assets should all be removed from the area. This includes furniture, plants, stacks of books, area rugs, and anything else that could hold moisture close to your hardwood floors. If the items are wet and you hope to save them, move them to a dryer section of your home. Be sure to put down a waterproof barrier, so you don’t add additional problems to other rooms in your home.

If you have carpets or large area rugs on top of the hardwood, remove that quickly. The fibers will absorb water and tend to get musty and moldy first. If you have tack strips in place holding it down, remove those as well. They can be very sharp and hurt you or others as they work in the area. Plus, they can also be impacted by the water and rust, adding more problems to the situation.

Step 3: Suck up the water

Remove standing water as quickly as possible. If the flood impacted a large portion of a room or your home, it might benefit you to hire a mitigation company. They understand more about looking for problems that settle in deep into your home. They will be well versed in extracting water and ensuring your home is returned to original condition, remaining a safe place for your family to live.

For smaller areas, you might be able to do it with a wet vacuum. Be sure to get all traces of water, spending extra time at baseboards, cracks, and even along plank lines. Wet vacuums can continue to work even after it appears you’ve removed the moisture. You may also have to remove baseboards if the water has soaked beyond the dimensions of your room.

Step 4: Clean and disinfect

Once all water has been removed, you’ll need to clean the area thoroughly. It’s equally important to ensure mold doesn’t form.

Step 5: Dry out the space

Place a dehumidifier in the center of the room. This is where professional mitigation companies might benefit you, especially with larger floods. These powerful pieces of equipment should run for 2 to 3 days or even longer to ensure the moisture is gone from your home. Also install large fans to increase circulation and ventilation, and dry out moisture to stop further impact.

Step 6: Check for signs of damage

Only when everything is dry should you check for visible signs of damage. Remember that problems can occur underneath the structure too. If you have any doubts, it’s better to check with an expert before you move forward with refinishing. Mold and other damage can fester for weeks – months – before turning into a visible problem.

What other questions do you have concerning your hardwood flooring?

The post Can You Save Hardwood Flooring After A Flood? first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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Basket weave isn’t actually a type of hardwood flooring, it is a pattern that you can achieve when installing parquet block flooring.  It is given such name because once the installation process is complete, it looks like the weave of a basket. Read More

When it comes to flooring options for your home or office, your choices are seemingly endless. From carpet to tile to laminate to marble or stone, there are a lot of different ways to go. However, one of the most elegant, classic, and overall best-looking (not to mention easy-to-keep-clean) floors is wood.

From deep and dark stained to diverse plank options, hardwood is always a great way to go. So for those of you who have it (and others who might be thinking about it), your friends here at Florring.org wanted to share a few tips on how to keep it in the best shape possible:

Use Door Mats and Lengthy Rugs

Strategically placing good mats by the most-used entry/exit points, as well as utilizing rugs in high-traffic spots can save your floor a lot of wear and tear.

Don’t Retire the Vacuum Cleaner

A lot of people think vacuuming is only for carpets. However, it is also necessary for hardwood. Dirt, dust, and other debris collect down in every crack and crevice it has. Brooms and mops rarely clean it properly.

Keep the Moisture Down

Pay special attention areas near windows, doors, walls, and other places that commonly come into contact with or are exposed to moisture or humidity.

Use Cleaning Products Specially Formulated for Wood Floors

Using any random product may lead to damage or other negative results on a wood floor. Some cleaners contain chemicals or additives that are destructive to wood.

Use Furniture Pads for Heavy Items

This is always a good idea, especially in the case of hardwood floors. Couches, recliners and lounging chairs, desks, entertainment centers, as well as any large object should always have pads underneath them.

For more information on how to care for your hardwood floors, or if you have any other questions, simply give Flooring.org a call at 800-689-9006. The team here at flooring.com is standing by and ready to help you any way we can.

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Imagine a home here in Colorado without hardwood. Hard to do, isn’t it? That’s because hardwood flooring’s classic good looks blend in with a Rocky Mountain lifestyle.

Statistics show that sales of hardwood continues to remain steady. Especially for main living spaces, hardwood is the flooring of choice. As you move into bedrooms and other more personal living spaces, homeowners split between hardwood and carpet. Carpet adds softness and warmth that is critical in a bedroom, especially on a frosty, winter morning.

Yet no matter where you’ve installed hardwood flooring, there is still a demand for softness, durability, and even a way to add a pop of color to a room. Because of that, carpet runners and area rugs continue to be popular choices.

What are carpet runners and area rugs? What’s the perfect size? What should you look for before you settle on a choice? Read on for more.

What are carpet runners?

A carpet runner is designed to sit on top of your hardwood, covering your steps. Unlike wall to wall carpet, which covers the entire area from corner to corner, carpet runners cover most of the area while leaving hardwood on either side. They are bound on the sides to create a finished look.

Carpet runners are popular in homes with hardwood stairs for two reasons.

1. They make stairs safer. Hardwood flooring has the ability to be slippery, especially when you’re wearing socks. Imagine your kids flying down the stairs for breakfast, hitting a step wrong, and falling down the stairs. That’s not a good situation for anyone, but especially so if you have small kids or elderly that might be seriously injured in a fall. Carpet runners give your stairs the needed traction to keep them safe.

2. They add a decorative element to your home. While hardwood stairs can be a beautiful addition to any home, there’s just something special about adding a splash of color to a room. Luckily, you can find carpet runners in any style, color, or pattern you desire.

What to consider when selecting a carpet runner

While color and pattern are two obvious things you’ll look at as you shop, there are several other things to consider before making your final selection.

You’ll find runners available in different widths. Which is right for your needs? Start by considering the width of your stairs. For narrower, 3-feet wide staircases, we suggest choosing a carpet runner 27 inches in width. This will provide ample coverage to the stairs, look good and provide pleasing aesthetics, without going too narrow or overpowering the space. For wider staircases, you can move to a wider runner. For stairs 4 to 5 feet in width, consider a runner up to three feet in width. It will provide full coverage for safety, while leaving enough hardwood on the sides to create natural beauty. Of course, the final selection should be based on your tastes and needs. Have something in mind? Pin it on your Pinterest board, and bring it in. We can customize your carpet runner and create any look you desire.

We’ll also mention patterns for your consideration. Depending on your decor, you may want to add a pop of color to your home and select a carpet runner with a pattern. Be aware that patterns can be a challenge to match up as they wind up your stairs. With a straight staircase, it can be easier. But if you have a winding staircase, it will stand out if the patterns don’t match up as it progresses from one landing to the next. It’s best to go small on carpet runners, and stick with shapes that will easily blend no matter how they are positioned.

Decorative rods are also an optional accessory that can add magic to the overall look. A metal rod is placed at the back of the stair where the riser meets the tread. The rod isn’t an integral part of installation, rather it’s for decorative reasons to help you create the look you are going for.

What are area rugs?

An area rug is a carpet that is smaller than the dimensions of the room. While wall to wall carpet stretches across the entire room, area rugs are designed in different sizes to accent the surrounding area and the decor. Are rugs are used to tie a room together, provide softness and warmth to a room with hardwood or tile flooring.

What to consider when selecting an area rug

If you have hardwood flooring and love the look, there are many reasons to bring an area rug into your home to tie everything together. Area rugs:

Make any space quieter – carpet has a sound-dampening effect, which cuts back on the room’s noise levels. That makes it easier for you to relax and recharge, especially if you have rambunctious kids and pets circling your rooms every day.

Offer protection against damage – furniture scraping, pets nails digging in, kids playing and dropping toys – these are just a few things that can impact the condition of your hardwood floors. Area rugs offer a simple way to protect the main living space. They are easy to lift and move, meaning you can change up your decorating style whenever you choose.

Add warmth – in the heart of the winter, as the temperatures dip below zero, you’ll be glad you have an area rug to add warmth to a room. An area rug helps hold heat down at floor level longer.

Should runners match area rugs?

This is one of the most frequent questions we are asked, and for good reason. Homes all across the Front Range have open concept design, meaning the living space is visible from the dining space, which can be seen from the entryway as you walk through the door.

The general rule of thumb is if you can see an area rug or a carpet runner from one room to the next, they should complement one another. That doesn’t necessarily mean they have to match, or be made from the same material. But they should stick with the same color hue, pattern, and texture.

Where you can have some fun is with sizes. Maybe smaller rugs as accents in entryways, while moving to a larger rug that is more functional under your sofas and chairs.

If you need additional help picking out the right carpet runners and area rugs, we’re here to help. 

The post Make This The Year You Install Carpet Runners and Area Rugs first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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