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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.

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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!

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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! 

The post Can Bed Bugs Live in Carpet? appeared first on The Carpet Guys.

Are you in the middle of planning a remodel for your home? Are you dreaming of new carpets in the bedroom? Or maybe a plush carpet in the family media room?

Before you get excited about the color, the style, or the pattern, maxing out your budget on your selection, there’s another thing to consider: the padding.

Selecting padding isn’t about choosing the cheapest in stock. Not just any padding will do. You need to select one that works best with the type of carpet you install.

The purpose of carpet padding

How well your carpet performs in the years to come isn’t based entirely on the quality of carpet you install. It’s also determined by the padding.

Padding absorbs the impact of foot traffic. Without a high quality pad, the lifespan of your carpet is shortened. Padding is a shock absorber between the carpet and the subfloor. The more impact, the more damage is done.

Padding also muffles sounds, and adds a layer of thermal insulation. And that can be a big deal here in Colorado, especially on a cold winter’s night. Plus there’s something about digging your toes deep into a plush carpet on a cold morning. The softness just feels good, doesn’t it?

Padding can also protect your warranty. Some manufacturers actually require certain padding to maintain the warranty. If you don’t follow their guidelines, you might not have a warranty in place from the moment you install it.

Indentation testing and ranking

The purpose of padding is to take the abuse of foot traffic and give your carpet added protection throughout its lifespan. Manufacturers have set up ways to rate carpet cushion performance based on the density of the padding.

You might find rankings listed using a number of different terms:

• Indentation load deflection – LDL
• Indentation force deflection – IFD
• Compression load deflection – CLD
• Compression force deflection – CFD

All of these and more have been used to describe the test method for evaluating carpet cushion.

Essentially, what these methods do is evaluate the limits of the padding. A sample is taken and fed into a machine that applies pressure to determine the firmness, stiffness, and load-bearing capacity of the sample itself.

While they all have the same goal, their methods vary. That means you can’t necessarily evaluate one product to the next easily. Firmness affects performance. A higher quality padding means more comfort and better performance. It also helps your carpet last longer, and keeps it looking newer throughout its lifespan.

Another look at carpet pad thickness

We live in a world where bigger is better. If something is larger, thicker, or more expensive, we automatically assume it’s the best.

Not so with carpet padding. Thicker padding isn’t always the best for your situation.

Most carpets on the market today call for a pad that is 7/16” in height. However, that isn’t always the case.

If you choose to install a Berber carpet, for example, manufacturers may suggest moving down in height size for the padding. A thicker pad can have too much give, and cause movement underneath the carpet. This can cause damage to the carpet.

This is another reason to visit our flooring store, where our job is based solely on education and ensuring you get the most from the flooring material you select. Saying “yes” to internet deals, or choosing something from a big box store will allow a salesperson to sell you on what they have in stock. It might not be what’s the best for what you’re selecting, which means your giving up lifespan almost from the start.

Understanding pad weight

We mentioned pad weight is important in the ranking process, but it deserves a little more attention.

Density is typically measured in pounds. When you shop for a pad, you’ll most likely see it listed somewhere between 3 and 10 pounds. Most manufacturers suggest an 8 pound pad for best results. This gives structure and firmness underneath your carpet, and ensures wearability throughout the life of your carpet.

Padding weight will also change based on the type of padding you select.

• Foam – is usually between 2 to 5 pounds
• Frothed foam – 12 pounds or more for maximum durability
• Rebond – you’ll find it in the 5 to 10 pound range, but go with 6 or greater for maximum durability
• Memory foam – this comes with higher densities in the 18 to 22 range
• Synthetic – you’ll often find this rated in ounces instead of pounds. 40 ounces, would be right at 7 pounds
• Waffle rubber – this also is listed in ounces, many dealers prefer 90 ounces or more for maximum performance

Which padding material is for you?

Let’s look at each of the different types of carpet padding and discuss their pros and cons.

Foam pad – foam padding is at the bottom of the list. It’s often the least expensive, and you’ll likely find this included on deals – if a dealer offers free padding, this is most likely what you’ll get. This product breaks down quickly, and most likely won’t last more than 3 to 5 years. This can be good for temporary solutions, but for any longevity, it’s better to move into a higher quality pad.

Frothed foam – what separates frothed foam from standard foam padding is the way it’s manufactured. Foam has gas added to the mixture, which can create air pockets. Frothed foam is a much sturdier pad, and can and will last the life of any carpet you choose. It’s also at the other end of the cost spectrum, however, being one of the most expensive pads on the market.

Rebond – rebond is one of the most popular pads because it’s in the middle of effectiveness and price. You’ll find this handles well in many situations, without adding too much cost to your overall purchase. Pay attention to the warranty of the carpet you select, however, because not all carpets allow rebond padding to be placed underneath.

Memory foam – you are probably familiar with the way this feels from purchasing a mattress for your bed. It can be a great pad choice for longevity and standing up well in high traffic situations. Yet be careful with quality. Memory foam squishes down. Over time, that can impact the performance of your carpet. Be sure the two work well together before you invest in this type of padding.

Synthetic – synthetic pads are fibrous and aren’t very spongy. That makes these a good choice for Berber carpets and other natural fibers. Consider synthetic pads if your warranty directs you to this option.

Waffle rubber – this offers similar durability as rebond, but can be higher priced. It performs in a similar manner to rebond padding.

What other questions do you have about carpet padding?

The post Shop For Padding Along With Your Carpet first appeared on PRO! Flooring.

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When you’re planning to sell your home, a lot of things go through your mind. You might be excited about the new property you’re purchasing, but you can’t forget to make your current home look its best.

So you slap on a new coat of paint. You fix the dripping faucet that’s leaked for months. You box up a few of your belongings to try and give it a clean look. But is it enough?

Take a second look at your flooring – it’s one of the most important features a new homeowner will look for. It makes a big impression from the moment they walk through the door.

Is the hardwood dull and scuffed? Is the carpet filled with stains? Does the vinyl look like it’s been there since 1982?

Why People Move

According to a study put out by the National Association of Realtors Research Group, 35 percent of US homeowners prefer to move to a new space rather than remodeling the one they’re living in. Think that number has risen as we adjust to our lives beyond COVID? We’re seeing movement everywhere as people relocate and find new places to call home.

When they walk into a home for the first time, curb appeal is everything. Some won’t even walk through the front door if it doesn’t “feel right” as they drive up. Once inside, modernization matters. Do they like what they see? Or do they start adding projects to their improvement lists? The closer the two meet, the more likely they’ll put a bid in on your property.

What People Want 

It should come as no surprise that when people enter a home, hardwood flooring will tick one of the first boxes off their list. Hardwood flooring has been in demand for years, and will continue to be there for years to come.

However, it’s not as simple as that anymore. Buyers like hardwood, but they also pay attention to functionality. Sometimes hardwood just doesn’t make sense. And that’s when buyers look for flow.

Have you ever walked through a house where there are different flooring choices in every room? You move from hardwood to tile to carpet, with vinyl thrown in for good measure. The transitions are all wrong. The colors don’t even match. It’s a hodgepodge mess. It just doesn’t work.

People want transition. They want a solid look throughout the home. They love to see hardwood in the main areas, including stairways and hallways. But if there’s carpet in the bedrooms? That’s okay. Consistency matters most. It has to make sense to how they see their lives operating if they were to move in.

And the worst thing you can have is two different hardwoods touching. If you installed hardwood in one room with hopes of adding on slowly, beware of how it looks as it moves from each section on. Again, it’s the puzzle piece layout that leaves a potential buyer with dreams of ripping it up.

Hardwood Flooring – Lots of Options

If you’re remodeling your home with the hopes of increasing resale value, it’s also important to pay attention to your market.

If you’re at the high end of the luxury market, you can better believe buyers will be looking for top of the line hardwood. Think exotic wood would turn a buyer’s head? There’s nothing like adding a product that’s hard to find into the mix, to help make the home unique and one of a kind.

If you do choose to install exotic hardwood, just be sure you do so in a sustainable way. Reputable suppliers will practice responsible and sustainable production, and will be aligned with organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council to ensure it remains environmentally friendly.

Another option may be to choose hand scraped hardwood flooring. This provides hand scraped planks that provide a retro or vintage look. Each plank will have its own unique look. When combined, it creates a look that many luxury homebuyers yearn for.

Not every home sits firmly in the luxury marketplace. That doesn’t mean there aren’t high quality products that give you beautiful results.

Luxury vinyl tile is one of the hottest flooring trends to come along. Maybe it’s because it’s easy to clean, easy to maintain, and offers you a waterproof flooring option you won’t find with traditional hardwood.

We think it’s also because of its good looks. Thanks to modern technology, today’s luxury vinyl tiles look so close to the real thing, even experts have taken a second look. They imitate some of the most popular flooring choices on the market, from exotic wood to stone flooring. You can find color choices at all ends of the spectrum. Want a wood floor as close to black as you can get? You’ll find it. Looking for a whitewash to brighten up your home? You’ll find that too.

Luxury vinyl tile offers a lot of what hardwood does, only it adds the waterproof part in it too. Plus you’ll find luxury vinyl tile is softer and warmer on the feed than traditional tile, and it’s slip resistant as well. You can install it in the bathroom and never give it another thought. Try that with exotic wood.

Your Flooring Should Make Sense

If you’re remodeling with the hopes of adding value to your property, you’re looking at it through your wallet. How can you improve the looks for as little hit to your budget as possible?

But a homebuyer looks at it as home. They want to move in and not have to think about flooring for a very long time.

Whether you’re thinking of installing carpet in the bedrooms or exotic hardwood throughout, the important part is creating a place that someone will want to call home.

Consistency is the first key. Don’t install new flooring in a couple of rooms because that’s all you can afford. Work within your budget restraints to choose a flooring that will give you results. It would be much more beneficial to select a lower grade material and refinish the entire home, then to install a higher quality in one or two rooms.

Second is quality. People look for options in a home that ensure they can move in and live with it for years to come. When in doubt, stick with neutral. This isn’t a choice for your home – this is about resale. And a homebuyer will be much happier with a clean, finished look that can look good no matter what their decor.

Carefully consider your options before making your final choice. While there isn’t one strategy that’s best, the right choice could make your home easier to sell, and bring in more money on the final offer as well.

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